Display device

ABSTRACT

There is provided a display device capable of extending the range of its application by enhancing the designability and the diversity of the display manner and by improving visual effects. The display device includes: a projector configured to project light to display information in the form of a projection image; a screen having a display surface through which light projected by the projector passes to form a projection image thereon; and a controller configured to control the projector. The display surface has a non-planar shape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/374,350, filed Dec. 9, 2016, which applicationclaims priority from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2015-241978 filedon Dec. 11, 2015, No. 2016-139196 filed on Jul. 14, 2016, and No.2016-139237 filed on Jul. 14, 2016, the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a display device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There have been known display devices configured to display information.For example, there is disclosed a topper display device of a gamingmachine, by U.S. Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016/0005261, forexample. The topper display device is configured to display contentsrelated to a game on its front.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

In recent years, there is a display device which incorporates aprojector therein and is configured to project images onto a screen on afront side. The use of the projector is advantageous in that the size ofthe display screen can be enlarged at low cost. However, because theprojector is disposed inside the display device, the depth of the devicehas to be increased. Because of this disadvantage, there has been soughtto add further value in the use of the projector in the display device,by improving other factors such as the designability and the diversityof the display manner.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problem. Anobject of the invention is to provide a display device capable ofextending the range of its application by enhancing the designabilityand the diversity of the display manner and by improving visual effectsprovided by the device.

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display deviceincludes: a projector configured to project light to display informationin a form of a projection image; a screen having a display surfacethrough which light projected by the projector passes to form aprojection image thereon; and a controller configured to control theprojector, wherein the display surface has a non-planar shape.

In the above arrangement, the display surface of the screen, to whichlight to display information in the form of a projection image isprojected by the projector, has a non-planar shape.

This enables the device to display a stereoscopic image with depth, tofurther enhance visual effects and decorative effects.

In the display device of the present invention, the display surface ofthe screen may have a curved shape with inclination.

In the above arrangement, when the entire display surface has a convexshape, display thereon is visually perceptible from a wider range ofarea than that on the flat display surface. Meanwhile, when the entiredisplay surface has a concave shape, display thereon is visuallyperceptible from a narrower range of area than that on the flat displaysurface. Thus, the above arrangement extends the range of application ofthe display device.

In the display device of the present invention, the display surface ofthe screen may be formed by a plurality of projection surface memberspartially overlapping each other.

In the above arrangement, the stereoscopic screen suited for projectionimages is structured. Thus, it is possible to further extend the rangeof application of the display device.

In the display device of the present invention, the screen may bearranged to be replaceable.

In the above arrangement, by replacing the screen, it is possible tochange the visual impressions given by projection images on the displaysurface. Therefore, the display manner is freely changeable merely byreplacing the screen in accordance with the layout of the place in whichthe display device is provided or the design of an external device towhich the display device is connected. This enhances the designabilityand the diversity of the display manner.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display deviceincludes: a screen unit including a casing, a projector provided in thecasing and configured to project light to display information in a formof a projection image, and a screen forming a wall surface of the casingand having a display surface through which light projected by theprojector passes to form a projection image thereon; a light emissionunit provided in the casing, the light emission unit including a lightsource and an illuminated portion illuminated by the light source; and acontroller configured to control the projector and the light emissionunit, wherein the display surface has a non-planar shape.

In the above arrangement, the display surface of the screen, onto whichlight to display information in the form of a projection image isprojected by the projector, has a non-planar shape, and the lightemission unit is mounted in addition to the projector. This makes itpossible to give notification or the like through light emission, aroundthe screen unit. There has been a structural problem in projectors:brightness is lower in the peripheral portion of the screen than thecentral portion of the screen. However, in the above arrangement, thedisplay device is configured to display a stereoscopic image with depthby the use of the non-planar screen. Further, the light emission unit isprovided around the casing provided with the screen. These arrangementscapture attention of people looking at the display device. This makesthe above-mentioned problem less noticeable.

In the display device of the present invention, the light emission unitmay be provided so that at least one of edges of the screen is fringedwith the light emission unit.

In the above arrangement, the light emission unit is provided so that atleast one of the edges of the screen is fringed with the light emissionunit. Light is emitted from the light emission unit, in addition toprojection images projected by the projector. This further enhances thevisual effects and the decorative effects of the display manner.

In the display device of the present invention, the casing may beprovided with a light-shielding member provided at an edge portion ofthe screen and configured to shield the display surface from lighttraveling from the light emission unit to the display surface.

In the above arrangement, the light-shielding member is provided toshield the display surface from light emitted from the light source.When the screen unit and the light emission unit are unitarily formed,for example, this arrangement increases the efficiency of application oflight by the projector to project a projection image on the screen, andreduces effects on the brightness and resolution of the projection imageprojected on the display surface of the screen.

In the display device of the present invention, the light emission unitmay include: a light-transmitting light guiding plate provided on anopposite side of the casing from the display surface so as to beattachable to and detachable from the casing, and having an opening of apredetermined shape penetrating the plate in its thickness direction;and a plurality of light sources provided so as to be opposed to anopening-side end surface forming the opening of the light guiding plate,and the display device may be arranged such that the light sources arearranged to be aligned along the opening-side end surface, and lightfrom the light sources is guided into the light guiding plate throughthe opening-side end surface, to illuminate an outer end surface of thelight guiding plate.

In the above arrangement, light emitted from the light sources arrangedin the opening of the light guiding plate enters through theopening-side end surface of the light guiding plate, and then the lightis guided in the light guiding plate, to illuminate the whole area ofthe outer end surface of the light guiding plate. Thus, light emittedfrom the light sources is radially dispersed in the light guiding plateand reaches the outer end surface of the plate. This makes it possibleto illuminate the whole circumference of the light guiding plateannularly. As a result, the thus illuminated light guiding plate isvisible from all the directions relative to the display device, whichfurther enhances the visual effects and decorative effects of thedisplay device.

In the display device of the present invention, the light guiding platemay include a reflecting portion processed to reflect, in the thicknessdirection of the light guiding plate, a part of light emitted from thelight sources and guided in the light guiding plate.

In the above arrangement, a part of light guided in the light guidingplate exits through a surface of the light guiding plate, reflected bythe reflecting portion of the light guiding plate, which portion hasbeen processed to reflect light. Light exiting from the surface of thelight guiding plate improves the designability, to further enhance thevisual effects and decorative effects of the display device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display deviceincludes: a screen unit including a casing, a projector provided in thecasing and configured to project light to display information in a formof a projection image, and a screen forming a wall surface of the casingand having a display surface through which light projected by theprojector passes to form a projection image thereon; a light emissionunit provided in the casing, the light emission unit including a lightsource and an illuminated portion illuminated by the light source; aninput device configured to receive operation from an outside; and acontroller connected to an external device and configured to control theprojector and the light emission unit based on a signal from theexternal device, and to control the light emission unit based on asignal from the input device, wherein the display surface has anon-planar shape.

In the above arrangement, the display surface of the screen, onto whichlight to display information in the form of a projection image isprojected by the projector, has a non-planar shape, and the lightemission unit is mounted in addition to the projector. This makes itpossible to give notification or the like through light emission, aroundthe screen unit. Projection images on the display surface are controlledbased on a signal from the external device. The light emission mode ofthe light emission unit is controlled based on a signal from theexternal device and a signal from the input device which receivesoperation from the outside. There has been a structural problem inprojectors: brightness is lower in the peripheral portion of the screenthan the central portion of the screen. However, in the abovearrangement, the display device is configured to display a stereoscopicimage with depth by the use of the non-planar screen. Further, the lightemission unit is provided around the casing provided with the screen.These arrangements capture attention of people looking at the displaydevice. This makes the above-mentioned problem less noticeable. Further,the light emission mode of the light emission unit is changeable byoperation from the outside. Thus, it is possible to extend the range ofapplication of the display device.

In the display device of the present invention, the controller maycontrol the light emission unit to emit light in a specific lightemission mode when receiving a signal from the input device.

In the above arrangement, when the input device is operated from theoutside, the light emission unit emits light in the specific lightemission mode. This makes all the people who can see the light emissionunit know the fact that the input device has been operated.

In the display device of the present invention, the input device may bea touch sensor.

In the above arrangement, the touch sensor formed as a planar surface isused instead of a button having a movable portion. This preventsfailures caused by dirt or the like entering a space around the movableportion, and failures caused by fatigue in the movable portion.

In the display device of the present invention, the external device maybe a gaming machine, and the display device may be arranged such thatthe controller is configured to: receive a video signal and a lightemission pattern signal corresponding to a game status from the gamingmachine; control the projector to project light to display videoindicated by the video signal in the form of a projection image; andcontrol the light emission unit to emit light in a light emission modeindicated by the light emission pattern signal.

In the above arrangement, the display device can be used as a displayarea for a game in the gaming machine. In addition, the light emissionunit can be used for effects in the game. Further, because it ispossible to control the light emission unit through the input device,the display device is able to function as a notification device to callcasino staff or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a display device of FirstEmbodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of FirstEmbodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a screen unit of the display device ofFirst Embodiment, viewed from the back.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable screen unit ofthe display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable screen unit ofthe display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable screen unit ofthe display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary display area of the screenunit.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an exemplary display area of the screenunit.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an exemplary display area of the screenunit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of contentsdisplayed on the display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how an image isdisplayed by the display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the difference indisplay manners of the display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first display exampledisplayed on the display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second displayexample displayed on the display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a third display exampledisplayed on the display device of First Embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the screen unit of the display deviceof Second Embodiment, viewed from the back.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of ThirdEmbodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of amovable decoration sheet of the display device of Third Embodiment.

FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the difference inbrightness caused by a change in the positional relationship between themovable decoration sheet and a fixed decoration sheet of the displaydevice of Third Embodiment.

FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the difference inbrightness caused by a change in the positional relationship between themovable decoration sheet and the fixed decoration sheet of the displaydevice of Third Embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of FourthEmbodiment.

FIG. 17 is an overall perspective view of the display device of FifthEmbodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross section of the display device of Fifth Embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an overall perspective view of the display device ofModification 1 of Fifth Embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an overall perspective view of the display device ofModification 2 of Fifth Embodiment.

FIG. 21A is a cross section of the display device of Sixth Embodiment.

FIG. 21B is an enlarge cross section of a main part of the displaydevice.

FIG. 22 is a cross section of the display device of Modification 1 ofSixth Embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a cross section of the display device of Modification 2 ofSixth Embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross section of the display device of Seventh Embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross section of the display device of Modification 1 ofSeventh Embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a cross section of the display device of Modification 2 ofSeventh Embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the display device of EighthEmbodiment.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of EighthEmbodiment.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of EighthEmbodiment, viewed from the back.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of EighthEmbodiment, viewed from the back.

FIG. 31A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a patternof path of light emitted from an LED and traveling through a lightguiding plate in the device of Eighth Embodiment.

FIG. 31B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a patternof path of light emitted from an LED and traveling through the lightguiding plate in Eighth Embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of theillumination manner of the light guiding plate in Eighth Embodiment.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of EighthEmbodiment, viewed from the back.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a projector accommodating body includedin the display device of Ninth Embodiment.

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the projector accommodatingbody included in the display device of Ninth Embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of theprojector accommodating body in Ninth Embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a control process executed by a controlcircuit in Ninth Embodiment.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory functional block diagram related to TenthEmbodiment.

FIG. 39 shows the external appearance of a gaming machine in which thedisplay device is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following will describe embodiments of the present invention withreference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

First of all, a description will be given for the basic outline of adisplay device of First Embodiment of the present invention.

The display device of the present embodiment is configured to displayvarious types of information in the form of a projection image, using atransmission-type projector device. That is, the display deviceincludes: a projector configured to project light to display informationin the form of a projection image; a screen having a display surfacethrough which light projected by the projector passes to form aprojection image thereon; and a controller configured to control theprojector. The display surface of the screen has a non-planar shape (forexample, see FIG. 17). This enables the device to display a stereoscopicimage with depth, to further enhance visual effects and decorativeeffects.

The following description of the embodiments mainly deals with the casewhere a single display device is connected to a single gaming machine.However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, thedisplay device may be used as a common display device connected to aplurality of gaming machines. Further, the number of projectors mountedin a display device is not limited to one. A plurality of projectors maybe mounted in a single display device. The display device does not haveto be connected to the gaming machine. The display device may beconfigured to operate independently. The display device may be connectedto Internet, to be operable based on information from a server or thelike. To be more specific, the display device may be a device whichoperates solely to display advertisement or the like, or may be a unitfor decorating a gaming machine, which unit operates independently fromthe gaming machine.

The shape of the screen is not particularly limited as long as itsdisplay surface has a non-planar shape. Such a non-planar surface is notlimited to a curved surface gently inclined throughout its whole range,for example, as shown in FIG. 17. For example, a part of the displaysurface may project, or a recess may be provided at a part of thedisplay surface. As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, for example, such anon-linear display surface may be formed by a plurality of members.

In the following embodiments, the controller of the display devicedetermines information to be displayed in the form of a projection image(hereinafter referred to as “projection image information”), based on acontrol signal transmitted from the gaming machine connected to thedisplay device. However, the present invention is not limited to this.For example, the controller may determine the projection imageinformation as follows. The controller may store predetermined patterns,and may display plural types of information based on the storedpatterns. Alternatively, the controller may determine the projectionimage information based on a control signal transmitted from the outsideof the display device. Such a control signal from the outside may bereceived via the Internet, for example, or may be received from anexternal device connected to the display device. Alternatively, such acontrol signal may be received from an input device provided to thedisplay device.

Such a control signal may be the projection image information.Alternatively, such a control signal may be identification informationto identify the projection image information. In this case, theprojection image information is stored in the controller. As such, thecontroller may store: the projection image information; informationregarding the relation between the projection image information and theidentification information; display patterns for the projection imageinformation; and/or the like.

[Structure of Display Device]

The structure of the display device will be described with reference toFIG. 1 to FIG. 6. Some of the embodiments including the presentembodiment are described using a display device, the display surface ofthe screen of which does not have a non-planar shape. However, a screenhaving a non-planar display surface is applicable to the display deviceof these embodiments. The screen having a non-planar display surfacewill be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 1 of the present embodimentincludes: a casing 10; a screen unit 11A; a projector main body(projector unit) 12; a reflector 13; and an operation unit 14, as basiccomponents. The casing 10 accommodates therein an unillustrated controlunit, in addition to the projector main body 12, the reflector 13, andthe operation unit 14. The control unit is configured to control theoperation of the overall display device 1. The screen unit 11A isattached to cover an opening 10A provided on the front side of thecasing 10. In First Embodiment, there are three replaceable screen units11A to 11C, by way of example, as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C. FIG. 1to FIG. 3 each shows the screen unit 11A of a standard type. Unlessotherwise noted, the description will be given basically using thescreen unit 11A. However, any of these screen units may be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 10 has a box-like shape. The casing 10has: a bottom surface 10 a; left and right side surfaces 10 b and 10 c;rear surface 10 d; an upper surface 10 e; and the front-side opening10A. The projector main body 12 is disposed on a rear portion of thebottom surface 10 a. The operation unit 14 is disposed on a frontportion of the bottom surface 10 a. The reflector 13 is attached to anupper portion of the rear surface 10 d.

The screen unit 11A has: a front surface portion 11 a configured tocover the opening 10A of the casing 10; and left and right side portions11 b and 11 c. The side portions 11 b and 11 c are detachably secured tothe side surfaces 10 b and 10 c of the casing 10, respectively. Thescreen unit 11A includes: a screen (projection surface member) 110Aprovided at an opening 11 aa of the front surface portion 11 a; and LEDsubstrates 111. The LED substrates 111 are provided at both left andright portions of the back surface of the front surface portion 11 a, asshown in FIG. 3.

The front surface portion 11 a has: light exit surfaces 111 a; and anaperture 112, in addition to the opening 11 aa in which the screen 110Ais disposed. The light exit surfaces 111 a are provided to the left andright of the screen 110A, and light is applied through the light exitsurfaces 111 a. Through the aperture 112, buttons 14A to 14F of theoperation unit 14 are exposed to face the front.

The screen 110A is a light-transmission type rear-projection screen,i.e., light is projected from behind the screen. The screen 110A ismainly made of a light-transmitting glass plate, acrylic plate, or resinfilm, for example. The color of the screen 110A is normally (when noimage is projected thereon) milky white, translucent, or gray. Thescreen 110A of the screen unit 11A has a uniform thickness throughoutthe screen 110A. The screen 110A has: a uniformly flat incident surface1100 (FIG. 3) on the back side thereof; and a display surface 1101 (FIG.2) on the front side thereof. To the incident surface 1100, lightprojected from the projector main body 12 enters. On the display surface1101, a projection image is formed by light having entered the incidentsurface 1100 and having been transmitted through the screen 110A. Thescreens 110B and 110C of the remaining screen units 11B and 11C each hasthe incident surface 1100 similar to that of the screen 110A of thescreen unit 11. Meanwhile, the display surface 1101 of each of thescreens 110B and 110C is different from that of the screen 110A. Thiswill be detailed later.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, each light exit surface 111 a is asurface of a light-transmitting plate member. The LED substrates 111 arerespectively provided on the back of the plate members. Although notillustrated, a plurality of LEDs are mounted on each LED substrate 111.Each LED substrate 111 is connected to the control unit in the casing 10through a connector 111 and a cable 111B. In FIG. 3, the connector 111Aand the cable 111B for one of the LED substrates 111 are illustrated. Itshould be noted that the connector and the cable are provided for theother of the LED substrates 111, and the other of the LED substrates 111is also connected to the control unit through the connector and thecable.

The control unit controls the LEDs on the LED substrates 111 so as to beturned on or blink. Light emitted from the LEDs is applied frontwardthrough the light exit surfaces 111 a. No light emitting portion isprovided to the screen units 11B and 11C. The reason for this will bedescribed later.

Each light exit surface 111 a is a surface of the light-transmittingplate member in this embodiment. However, the present invention is notlimited to this. The light exit surface may be made of a material thatat least partially has a light-transmitting portion. That is, the lightexit surface may partially include a portion through which light is nottransmittable.

In such a light-transmitting portion, a decorative sheet may be providedbetween each LED substrate and the corresponding plate member. Further,light-transmitting colored decoration may be provided to thelight-transmitting portion of the plate members. In this case, whileeach LED substrate functions as a light emitting unit having a lightsource, each plate member functions as a decoration member decorated bythe light emitting unit. As the decoration member, there is used amember having optical characteristics, such as light transmittance,diffusion, polarization, refraction, and reflection.

The projector main body 12 is configured to project light to displayvarious types of information on the screen in the form of a projectionimage. The projector main body 12 may be, for example, of an LCD(liquid-crystal display) type using a liquid-crystal display, or of aDLP (Registered Trademark: Digital Light Processing) using a DMD(Digital Micromirror Device). Examples of various types of informationdisplayed on the screen include advertisement, information on theexternal device connected to the display device, and the like. When agaming machine is connected to the display device, for example, contentsof a game executed on the gaming machine are displayed, for example.

The projector main body (projector unit) 12 is connected to theunillustrated control unit. The control unit controls the operation ofthe projector main body 12. The projector main body 12 includes: aliquid-crystal panel or a DMD; and an LED or a lamp functioning as alight source; a dichroic mirror; a projector lens; and the like. Theposition of the projector lens is adjustable with respect to the opticalaxis.

The projector main body 12 is provided so that light exiting from theprojector lens directly goes to the reflector 13. When the screen unit(11A to 11C) is attached, focus can be adjusted by slightly adjustingthe position of the projector lens of the projector main body 12 withrespect to the optical axis. This enables projection of sharp projectionimages in correct focus on the screen (110A to 110C), whichever of thescreen units 11A to 11C is used.

The reflector 13 is made of a member which reflects light. The reflector13 is provided on the rear surface 10 d to be inclined relative to theopening 10A of the casing 10. The reflector 13 reflects light comingfrom the projector main body 12 toward the opening 10A (toward theincident surface 1100 of the screen 110A).

The operation unit 14 has a plurality of buttons 14A to 14F arrangedlaterally. The buttons 14A to 14F are operable by a user of the displaydevice (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “user”.) Specifically, asshown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 14 has the following buttonsarranged from left to right: a switch button 14A, a history button 14B,a call button 14C, a setting button 14D, a confirm button 14E, and afour-way button 14F. The operation unit 14 is connected to theunillustrated control unit. When operation on any of the buttons 14A to14F is detected by the switch corresponding thereto, a detection signalis supplied from the switch to the control unit. Then, the control unitperforms display control corresponding to the detection signal.

In the present embodiment, the display device is connected to a gamingmachine, and the switching button 14A is used to switch the displayedcontents, such as a graph and numerical values, which will be describedlater. The history button 14B is used to display today's game history.The call button 14C is used to call the staff of a casino. The settingbutton 14D is used to change the display setting and the like. Theconfirm button 14E is used to confirm various settings. The four-waybutton 14F is used to change a numerical value, and to scroll.

FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C respectively show the replaceable screen units 11A to11C. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C respectively show display areas on the screensof the screen units 11A to 11C. Note that same or similar elements ofthe screen units 11A to 11C are given the same reference numerals.Although not illustrated, the casing 10 is commonly used for the screenunits 11A to 11C.

The screen unit 11A shown in FIG. 4A is the same as the screen unitshown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. In the screen unit 11A, the entire frontsurface of the screen 110A is structured as a uniformly flat displaysurface 1101. As shown in FIG. 5A, a projection image V1 is projected ona central portion of the display surface 1101, a projection image V2 isprojected on a left end portion of the display surface 1101, and aprojection image V3 is projected on a right end portion of the displaysurface 1101. The left and right herein are the left and right of aviewer who sees the display surface 1101 in front thereof. As describedabove, the incident surface 1100 of the screen 110A, which is on theback side, is uniformly flat.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 6, a chart image is displayed as theprojection image V1 on the screen 110A. The chart image is a line-graphshowing the credit amount having been obtained by the user from thestart of the game. A text image is displayed as the projection image V2.The text image shows the number of plays of a bonus game and the totalnumber of game plays executed today.

Another text image is displayed as the projection image V3. The textimage shows historical data, such as the number of plays of the bonusgame and the total number of game plays executed in the past. Thesurface which light enters is the incident surface 1100. The surface onwhich light is projected (display surface) is not limited to the abovedisplay surface 1101. That is, the display surface may include an areaon the back surfaces of the LED substrates 111, areas above and belowthe incident surface 1100 (e.g., the front surface portion 11 a), andthe left and right areas (the side portions 11 b and 11 c).

Thus, the surface on which light is projected may be located inside thescreen unit, as long as the surface is located frontward of theprojector main body 12 or frontward of the reflector 13 and onto which aprojection image is able to be projected.

In the screen unit 11B shown in FIG. 4B, a central portion of the frontsurface of the screen 110A is structured as the uniformly flat displaysurface 1101. Hereinafter, the central display surface of the screen110B is referred to as a “first display surface 1101”. Second displaysurfaces 1101B are respectively provided at left and right end portionsof the screen 110B, on the front side of the screen 110B.

Each second surface 1101B is positioned frontward of the first displaysurface 1101. That is, each second display surface 1101B is a surface ofa panel having a thickness. The difference in the position in thefront-back direction made by the thickness defines each second displaysurface 1101B as a rectangular area. No light exit surface is providedon the screen unit 11B of the present embodiment. Instead, the left andright second display surfaces 1101B extend to the positions close to theleft and right ends of the screen unit 11B, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the projection image V1 is projected on the firstdisplay surface 1101, the projection image V2 is projected on the leftsecond display surface 1101B, and the projection image V3 is projectedon the right second display surface 1101B. The left and right herein arethe left and right of a viewer who sees the screen 110B in frontthereof.

The contents of the projection images V1 to V3 are basically similar tothose shown in FIG. 6. However, the projection image V2 and V3respectively displayed on the left and right second display surfaces1101B may contain a message image, in addition to the text image. Themessage image will be described later.

Although not illustrated, an incident surface is formed on the back sideof the screen 110B, so as to correspond to the first display surface1101 and the second display surfaces 1101B. To the incident surface,light projected from the projector main body 12 enters. The incidentsurface of the screen 110B is also uniformly flat.

In the screen unit 11C shown in FIG. 4C, a central portion of the frontsurface of the screen 110C is structured as the uniformly flat displaysurface 1101. Hereinafter, the central display surface of the screen110C is referred to as a “first display surface 1101”. Second displaysurfaces 1101C are respectively provided at left and right end portionsof the screen 110C, on the front side of the screen 110C.

Each second surface 1101C is positioned frontward of the first displaysurface 1101. That is, each second display surface 1101C is a surface ofa panel having a thickness. The difference in the position in thefront-back direction made by the thickness defines each second displaysurface 1101C as a trapezoidal area. A longer side portion 1101Ca ofeach trapezoidal second display surface 1101C is located closer to theleft or right end portion of the screen 110C. A shorter side portion1101Cb of each trapezoidal second display surface 1101C is locatedcloser to the central portion of the screen 110C.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a thickness W1 of eachpanel at the longer side portion 1101Ca is larger than a thickness W2 ofthe panel at the shorter side portion 1101Cb. The thickness of eachpanel gradually increases from its shorter side portion 1101Cb to thelonger side portion 1101Ca. No light exit surface is provided to thescreen unit 11C. The second display surfaces 1101C at the left and rightend portions are large enough.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the projection image V1 is projected on the firstdisplay surface 1101, the projection image V2 is projected on the leftsecond display surface 1101C, and the projection image V3 is projectedon the right second display surface 1101C. The left and right herein arethe left and right of a viewer who sees the screen 110C in frontthereof. The contents of the projection images V1 to V3 are basicallysimilar to those shown in FIG. 6. Although not illustrated, an incidentsurface is formed on the back side of the screen 110C, so as tocorrespond to the first display surface 1101 and the second displaysurfaces 1101C. To the incident surface, light projected from theprojector main body 12 enters. The incident surface of the screen 110Cis also uniformly flat.

[How Image is Displayed on Screen and Seen]

The following will describe how an image is displayed on the screen(110A to 110C) and seen, with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 11.

First, a description is given for the screen 110A. As shown in FIG. 7, alight beam a projected by the projector main body 12 is reflected by thereflector 13, and passes through the incident surface 1100 of the screen110A, to reach an upper end portion of the display surface 1101. A lightbeam 13 projected by the projector main body 12 is reflected by thereflector 13, and then passes through the incident surface 1100 of thescreen 110A, to reach a lower end portion of the display surface 1101.

As a result, the projection images V1 to V3 showing various types ofgame information are displayed between the upper end portion and thelower end portion of the display surface 1101. FIG. 9 shows a part ofthe screen 110A showing the images, but the projection image V3 is notshown in this figure. Through the light exit surfaces 111 a, lighting upand blinking of the LEDs can be seen. The light exit surfaces 111 a arerespectively located leftward and rightward of the left and rightprojection images V2 and V3. Turning on and blinking of the LEDs areperformed in accordance with the game status or the like. Note that theright light exit surface 111 a is not illustrated.

A description is now given for the screen 110C. As shown in FIG. 8, alight beam a projected by the projector main body 12 is reflected by thereflector 13, and then passes through the incident surface 1100 of thescreen 110C, to reach an upper end portion of the first display surface1101. A light beam 13 projected by the projector main body 12 isreflected by the reflector 13, and then passes through the incidentsurface 1100 of the screen 110C, to reach a lower end portion of thefirst display surface 1101. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the projectionimage V1 is displayed on the first display surface 1101 substantiallysimilarly to the case shown in FIG. 9.

Meanwhile, in the vicinity of the shorter side portion 1101Cb of eachsecond display surface 1101 located frontward by the predeterminedthickness W2, the light beams α and β having entered the incidentsurface 1100 are refracted, and then reach the positions on the seconddisplay surface, which positions are lower than their positions on theincident surface by h1 and h1′, respectively. Further, in the vicinityof the longer side portion 1101Ca of each second display surface 1101located frontward by the predetermined thickness W1 larger than thethickness W2, the light beams α and β are refracted, and then reach thepositions on the second display surface, which positions are lower thantheir positions on the entrance surface by h2 and h2′, respectively.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, each second display surface 1101C displaysthe projection image V2, V3 deformed into a parallelogram shape,differently from the case shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, the projectionimage is inclined downward toward its left or right outer end. Note thatthe projection image V3 is not illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 10, the screen 110B displays images on the sameprinciple. While the first display surface 1101 displays the projectionimage V1 substantially similarly to the case shown in FIG. 9, eachsecond display surface 1101B displays the projection image V2, V3 sothat the projection image is inclined downward toward its left or rightouter end, as compared to the case shown in FIG. 9. Note that theprojection image V3 is not illustrated. On the second display surfaces1101B of the screen 110B, a message image is displayed as a projectionimage V2 a. It is possible to replace the portions of the screen 110Bwhere the projection image V2 a is displayed with the light exitsurfaces 111 a.

By replacing the screen unit 11A with the screen unit 11B, thedecoration part of the screen unit is changed from the light exitsurfaces 111 a to the display portions for the projection image V2 a. Byreplacing the screen unit 11B with the screen unit 11A, the decorationpart is changed from the display portions for the projection image V2 ato the light exit surfaces 111 a.

In short, in the display device 1 of First Embodiment, the projectiondistance from the projector main body 12 to the incident surface 1100 ofthe screen (110A to 110C) is the same whichever of the screen units 11Ato 11C is used. A change in visual effects of the projection images V1to V3 is caused only by the thickness and position of the screens 110Ato 110C. Because of this, the function of adjusting or correcting theprojection image in accordance with the projection distance is able tobe minimized to be simple, or omitted. This improves the compatibilityamong the screen units 11A to 11C.

In this display device 1, the screen (110A to 110C) is replaceabletogether with the screen unit (11A to 11C). This makes it possible tochange the visual impressions given by the projection images V2 and V3on the display surfaces 1101, 1101B, and 1101C. Therefore, the displaymanner of the screen is freely changeable merely by replacing thescreens (110A to 110C) in accordance with the layout of a casino or thedesign of the gaming machine, for example. Thus, the designability andthe diversity of the display manner are enhanced.

In the display device 1 provided with the screen 110A shown in FIG. 9,it is possible to associate the light emission mode of the light exitsurfaces 111 a with the projection image V1 displayed on the displaysurface 1101, and it is possible to present the display and lightemission in patterns similar to each other. Further, on the light exitsurfaces 111 a, lighting display is possible in a totally differentmanner from the display of the projection image. This further enhancesthe designability and the diversity of the display manner.

In the present embodiment, the distance from the projector main body 12to the incident surface 1100 is the same whichever of the screens 110Ato 110C is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this.For example, the incident surface may be arranged to have a non-planarshape so that the distance is partially different among the screens.That is, there is at least a portion common among the screens withrespect to the distance to the incident surface, the length of the lightpath from the projector main body to the common portion is the sameamong the screens. Therefore, merely by changing the thickness of thecommon portion, a change is brought to a projection image, to easilyenhance the visual effects.

In the display device 1 with the replaceable screens 110A to 110C shownin FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, all the incident surfaces 1100 of the screens 110Ato 110C are uniformly flat. Therefore, the distance from the projectormain body 12 to the incident surface 1100 is the same among the screens110A to 110C. This enables the optical system (e.g., the reflector 13)structuring the light path from the projector main body 12 to theincident surface 1100 to have a simple structure. Meanwhile, merely bymaking a difference in the thickness of the member for the first displaysurface 1101 and the thickness of the members for the second displaysurfaces 1101B and 1101C, visual impressions given by the projectionimages V2 and V3 are changed, thereby to easily enhance the visualeffects.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, in the display device 1, merelyby replacing the screen (110A to 110C) to be disposed at the opening 10Aof the casing 10, the visual impressions given by the projection imagesV2 and V3 on the display surface (1101, 1101B, 1101C) are changed. Thus,the display manner of the screen is freely changeable, and thedesignability and the diversity of the display manner are enhanced.

Second Embodiment

The following will describe the screen unit in Second Embodiment of thepresent invention, with reference to FIG. 12. Note that elements whichare the same as or similar to those in the above-described FirstEmbodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof are omitted.

In the screen unit 11A shown in FIG. 12, the LED substrate 111 isprovided behind each light exit surface 111 a. On one of the LEDsubstrates 111, which is at the left when viewed from the back, a relaysubstrate 113 is provided. The relay substrate 113 is directly connectedto the left LED substrate 111, and is connected to the other LEDsubstrate 111 via a connection line 114.

The relay substrate 113 is connected to the control unit in the casing10 via a cable 111B through a so-called board to board connection. Theconnection line 114 extends from the relay substrate 113, detours aroundthe opening 11 aa, to be connected to the other LED substrate 111. Theconnection line 114 is laid using a guide component 115 to prevent theconnection line 114 from sagging toward the incident surface 1100. Therelay substrate 113 may be connected with the cable 111B via a connector111A.

A signal from the control unit is supplied to the one LED substrate 111via the cable 111B and the relay substrate 113, and supplied to theother LED substrate 111 via the relay substrate 113 and the connectionline 114. This causes the LEDs on both the LED substrates 111 to beturned on or blink. Light emitted from the LEDs is applied frontwardthrough the light exit surfaces 111 a.

In this arrangement, the two LED substrates 111 are connected to thecontrol unit via the single connection cable 111B. This simplifies thework of connection needed when replacing the screen unit 11A withanother one.

Third Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Third Embodiment ofthe present invention, with reference to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15. Note thatelements which are the same as or similar to those in theabove-described First Embodiment are given the same reference numerals,and descriptions thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, an LED substrate 20 is provided on aside surface 10 b of the casing 10. A movable decoration sheet 30 isprovided to be opposed to the LED substrate 20. A guide component 31 anda driving mechanism 32 are provided on an upper portion of the sidesurface 10 b. The guide component 31 supports the upper end of themovable decoration sheet 30 so that the movable decoration sheet 30 isable to be guided in the front-back direction. The driving mechanism 32is configured to move the movable decoration sheet 30 in the front-backdirection.

The driving mechanism 32 is connected to the control unit provided inthe casing 10. The control unit controls the operation of the drivingmechanism 32. Although not illustrated, such an LED substrate 20,movable decoration sheet 30, guide component 31, and driving mechanism32 are provided also on the side surface 10 c of the casing 10.

Side portions 11 b and 11 c of the screen unit 11A are respectivelyopposed to the above-described side surfaces 10 b and 10 c. At least apart of each side portion 11 b, 11 c that is opposed to thecorresponding LED substrate 20 is made of a light-transmitting material,preferably a transparent material. A fixed decoration sheet 40 isattached to the inner surface of the side portion 11 b.

Although not illustrated, such a fixed decoration sheet 40 is attachedalso to the inner surface of the side portion 11 c. There has beendescribed that the part of the side portion that is opposed to the LEDsubstrate 20 is made of a light-transmitting material. However, such alight-transmitting part of the side portion 11 b or 11 c does not haveto be provided, as long as the side portion 11 b or 11 c has at least aportion to which light from the LEDs provided on the LED substrate 20 isapplied. Suppose that the light exit surface 111 a haslight-transmitting property while the side portion 11 b does not havelight-transmitting property. In this case, high-contrast is provided onthe light exit surface 111 a by light emitted from the LEDs and guidedtoward the front.

Each movable decoration sheet 30 is a light-transmitting resin sheet ofa flat rectangular shape. The movable decoration sheet 30 has aplurality of light-guiding holes 30A corresponding to the LEDs 20A (seeFIG. 14) on the LED substrate 20. Each hole 30A opens so that thecorresponding LED 20A is at least exposable through this hole 30A. Thediameter of each light-guiding hole 30A is on the order of 1 mm, forexample. The positional distribution of the light-guiding holes 30Amatches the positional distribution of the LEDs 20A.

As shown in FIG. 14, the movable decoration sheet 30 is movable in thefront-back direction along the guide component 31, driven by the drivingmechanism 32. Thus, each light-guiding hole 30A is capable of enteringthe state where light from the corresponding LED 20A is directly guidedoutward through the hole 30A, and the state where light from thecorresponding LED 20A is not directly guided to the outside due tomisalignment (see FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B).

Similarly to the movable decoration sheet 30, each fixed decorationsheet 40 is a light-transmitting resin sheet of a flat rectangularshape. On a surface of the fixed decoration sheet 40, characters,pictures and/or the like are printed. The fixed decoration sheet 40 alsohas a plurality of light-guiding holes 40A. The aperture area of eachlight-guiding hole 40A is substantially equal to that of thelight-guiding hole 30A. The diameter of each light-guiding hole 40A ison the order of 1 mm, for example, similarly to the light-guiding holes30A.

The positional distribution of the light-guiding holes 40A matches thepositional distribution of the light-guiding holes 30A. That is, thepositional distribution of the light-guiding holes 40A of the fixeddecoration sheet 40 matches the positional distribution of the LEDs 20A.The fixed decoration sheet 40 is attached so that the light-guidingholes 40A are respectively opposed to the LEDs 20A.

Thus, as the movable decoration sheet 30 moves in the front-backdirection, the state of each light-guiding hole 40A changes between thestate where light from the corresponding LED 20A is directly guidedoutward through the light-guiding hole 40A overlapping the correspondinghole 30A, and the state where light from the LED 20A is not directlyguided to the outside due to the misalignment between the holes 40A and30A (see FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B).

In this embodiment, the positional distribution of the light-guidingholes 40A matches the positional distribution of the light-guiding holes30A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is onlyrequired that at least one light-guiding hole 40A is able to be alignedwith the corresponding light-guiding holes 30A. The expression “a holeis able to be aligned with the corresponding hole” means that the holesare positioned at least so that light from the LED is able to passthrough the light-guiding holes to the outside. The positions of theholes are not limited to specific positions.

As shown in FIG. 15A, when the movable decoration sheet 30 is positionedso that at least a part of each LED 20A overlaps the correspondinglight-guiding hole 30A, the light-guiding hole 30A at least partiallyoverlaps the corresponding light-guiding hole 40A of the fixeddecoration sheet 40. In this case, light from the LED 20A is directlyguided outward through the portions of the light-guiding holes 30A and40A overlap each other. With this, on the side surfaces 10 b and 10 c ofthe casing 10, the characters and/or the pictures illustrated on thefixed decoration sheet 40 are visible with relatively high intention ofillumination and in relatively high contrast.

Meanwhile, when the movable decoration sheet 30 is positioned so thateach light-guiding hole 30A does not overlap the correspondinglight-guiding hole 40A and is not aligned with the corresponding LED20A, as shown in FIG. 15B, light from the LED 20A cannot go to theoutside through the light-guiding holes 30A and 40A. As a result, on theside surfaces 10 b and 10 c of the casing 10, the characters and/or thepictures illustrated on the fixed decoration sheet 40 are visible withrelatively low intention of illumination and in relatively low contrast.

In the display device 1 of Third Embodiment, as the movable decorationsheet 30 moves from the position where the light-guiding holes 30A and40A overlap each other to the position where the light-guiding holes 30Aand 40A do not overlap each other, the overlapping portion where eachhole 30A overlaps the corresponding hole 40A gradually decreases, whichdecreases the amount of light guided from the corresponding LED 20A tothe side surface 10 b, 10 c through the light-guiding holes 30A and 40A.

That is, by moving the movable decoration sheet 30 relative to the fixeddecoration sheet 40 by a predetermined distance which is equal to orlonger than the diameter of each light-guiding hole 30A, 40A, theintensity of illumination changes depending on the size of theoverlapping portion. Thus, the contrast of the image(s) shown throughthe decoration sheets 30 and 40 opposed to each other is easilychangeable by adjusting the intensity of illumination. As a result, thevisual effects are easily enhanced.

Further, in the display device 1 of Third Embodiment, the LED substrates20 and the driving mechanisms 32 are provided on the casing 10. Ascompared to the device of Fourth Embodiment which will be describedlater, weight reduction and simplification of the screen unit 11A ispossible. In addition, wiring work is unnecessary.

Fourth Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Fourth Embodiment ofthe present invention, with reference to FIG. 16. The display device 1of Fourth Embodiment is different from that of Third Embodiment only inthe positional relationship between each movable decoration sheets 30and the corresponding fixed decoration sheet 40. Therefore, elementswhich are the same as or similar to those in the above-described ThirdEmbodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the display device 1 of Fourth Embodiment, thefixed decoration sheet 40 is disposed to be opposed to the LED substrate20 provided on the side surface 10 b of the casing 10. Meanwhile, themovable decoration sheet 30 is provided on the side portion 11 b of thescreen unit 11A so that the movable decoration sheet 30 can be opposedto the fixed decoration sheet 40.

The guide component 31 and the driving mechanism 32 are provided on anupper portion of the side portion 11 b. The guide component 31 supportsthe upper end of the movable decoration sheet 30 so that the movabledecoration sheet 30 is able to be guided in the front-back direction.The driving mechanism 32 is configured to move the movable decorationsheet 30 in the front-back direction. The driving mechanism 32 isconnected, through an unillustrated cable, to the control unit providedin the casing 10. The control unit controls the operation of the drivingmechanism 32. Although not illustrated, such an LED substrate 20 andfixed decoration sheet 40 are provided also on the side surface 10 c ofthe casing 10. Such a movable decoration sheet 30, guide component 31,and driving mechanism 32 are provided also on the side portion 11 c ofthe screen unit 11A.

The fixed decoration sheet 40 is fixed so that the positionaldistribution of the light-guiding holes 40A matches the positionaldistribution of the LEDs 20A. Meanwhile, characters and/or pictures areprinted on a surface of each movable decoration sheet 30. The movabledecoration sheet 30 is movable along the guide component 31 by thedriving mechanism 32 in the front-back direction. As the movabledecoration sheet 30 moves, the state of each light-guiding hole 30Achanges between the state where light from the corresponding LED 20A isdirectly guided outward through the light-guiding holes 30A and 40Aoverlapping each other, and the state where light from the LED 20A isnot directly guided outward due to the misalignment between the holes40A and 30A.

That is, in the display device 1 of Fourth Embodiment, as the movabledecoration sheet 30 moves from the position where the light-guidingholes 30A and 40A overlap each other to the position where thelight-guiding holes 30A and 40A do not overlap each other, theoverlapping portion where each hole 30A overlaps the corresponding hole40A gradually decreases, which decreases the amount of light guided fromthe corresponding LED 20A to the side surface 10 b, 10 c through thelight-guiding holes 30A and 40A.

Thus, by moving the movable decoration sheet 30 relative to the fixeddecoration sheet 40 by a predetermined distance which is equal to orlonger than the diameter of each light-guiding hole 30A, 40A, theintensity of illumination changes depending on the size of theoverlapping portion. Thus, the contrast of the image(s) shown throughthe decoration sheets 30 and 40 opposed to each other is easilychangeable by adjusting the intensity of illumination. As a result, thevisual effects are easily enhanced.

Fifth Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Fifth Embodiment ofthe present invention, with reference to FIG. 17 to FIG. 20. Note thatelements which are the same as or similar to those in theabove-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, anddescriptions thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, in the display device 1 of FifthEmbodiment, the entire front surface of a screen unit 11D is structuredby a screen 110D having a concave surface. The entire front surface ofthe screen 110D is a gently inclined concave display surface 1101. Thisdisplay device 1 does not have a light exit surface and button.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, an LED substrate 60 and a reflection plate61 are provided on the outer side of the rear surface 10 d of the casing10. The rear surface 10 d is behind the reflector 13. On the LEDsubstrate 60, a plurality of LEDs 60A are mounted and arranged annularlyto be opposed to the rear surface 10 d. The LEDs 60A are arranged sothat light can be applied to the reflection plate 61. Light from theLEDs 60A is reflected by the reflection plate 61, to illuminate thesurrounding of the display device 1 and the peripheral part of thescreen 110A.

With this display device 1, a projection image is able to be projectedon the entire display surface 1101 of the screen 110D, and functions andeffects optically similar to those of the device shown in FIG. 4A arebrought about. In addition, decorative effects are enhanced by lightemitted from the back by the LEDs 60A.

In Fifth Embodiment, the display surface of the screen 110D has anon-planar shape. Specifically, the screen 110D has a concave shape withinclination. This makes it possible to display a stereoscopic image withdepth. This further enhances visual effects and decorative effects.

In the display device 1 of Modification 1 of Fifth Embodiment, theentire front surface of a screen unit 11E is structured by a screen110E, as shown in FIG. 19. A central portion of the front surface of thescreen 110E is a gently-inclined concave first display surface 1101.Right and left end portions of the front surface of the screen 110E areconcave second display surfaces 1101E. Each second display surface 1101Eis positioned forward of the first display surface 1101. A part of eachsecond display surface 1101E is located outward of the left or right endof the first display surface 1101. The screen 110E of the display device1 of Modification 1 of Fifth Embodiment is formed by a plurality ofprojection surface members (the first display surface 1101 and thesecond display surfaces 1101E) partially overlapping one another. Thismakes the display surface non-planar.

Each second display surface 1101E is a surface of a projection surfacemember having a thickness. The difference in the position between thefirst display surface 1101 and the second display surfaces 1101E in thefront-back direction made by the thickness defines each second displaysurface as a rectangular area. In this display device 1, it is possibleto project different projection images respectively on the first displaysurface 1101 and the second display surfaces 1101E of the screen 110E,and functions and effects optically similar to those of the device shownin FIG. 4B are brought about.

As shown in FIG. 20, the display device 1 of Modification 2 of FifthEmbodiment is structured as follows. A central portion of the frontportion of a screen unit 11F is structured by a screen 110F. Left andright end portions of the screen unit 11F are respectively structured bylight exit surfaces 111 a spaced apart from the screen unit 110F by apredetermined distance. A central portion of the front surface of thescreen 110F is a gently-inclined concave first display surface 1101.Right and left end portions of the front surface of the screen 110F areconcave second display surfaces 1101F. Each second display surface 1101Fis positioned forward of the first display surface 1101. A part of eachsecond display surface 1101F is located outward of the left or right endof the first display surface 1101. As described above, the screen 110Fof the display device 1 of Modification 2 of Fifth Embodiment is formedby the plurality of projection surface members (the first displaysurface 1101 and the second display surfaces 1101F) partiallyoverlapping one another. This makes the display surface non-planar.

Each second display surface 1101F is a surface of a member having athickness. The difference in the position between the first displaysurface 1101 and the second display surfaces 1101F in the front-backdirection made by the thickness defines each second display surface as asubstantially trapezoidal area. The light exit surfaces 111 a arerespectively positioned behind the portions of the second displaysurfaces 1101F projecting relative to the left and right ends of thefirst display surface 1101. In this display device 1, it is possible toproject different projection images respectively on the first displaysurface 1101 and the second display surfaces 1101F of the screen 110F,and functions and effects optically similar to those of the device shownin FIG. 4C are brought about. In addition to the above, turning on andblinking of lights are visible through the light exit surfaces 111 a.Thus, it is possible to present a display manner different from any ofthe display devices described above.

Further, each of the second display surfaces 1101E, 1101F also has aconcave shape. This makes it possible to show a stereoscopic image withdepth on the second display surfaces, as well as on the first displaysurface 1101. Note that second display surfaces 1101E and 1101F may beflat. Further, the LED substrate 60 and the reflection plate 61 may beomitted as needed.

Sixth Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Sixth Embodiment ofthe present invention, with reference to FIG. 21A to FIG. 23. Note thatelements which are the same as or similar to those in the aboveembodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof are omitted.

The display device of Sixth Embodiment is configured to improve visualeffects and decorative characteristics by illuminating an upper edgeportion (upper side) of the screen 110A of the screen unit 11A (FIG. 5A)of First Embodiment, for example.

In the display device 1 of Sixth Embodiment, the rectangular screen 110Aincludes an incident portion (light guiding portion) 1100 and a displayportion 1101, as shown in FIG. 21A. The incident portion has apredetermined thickness and light is transmittable therethrough. Thedisplay portion has a predetermined thickness, and a projected image isdisplayed on a surface thereof. Further, at least one substrate (LEDsubstrate) 70 is provided on the bottom surface 10 a of the casing 10and in the vicinity of a lower edge portion (lower side) of the screen110A. A diffused reflection portion 72 is provided at the upper edgeportion (upper side) of the incident portion (light guiding portion)1100 of the screen 110A. The upper edge portion is opposed to the loweredge portion (lower side) of the screen 110A. The diffused reflectionportion 72 includes projections and recesses to irregularly reflectlight.

One or more light emitters (LED) 71 are mounted on the substrate 70.Light emitted from the light emitters 71 passes through the incidentportion (light guiding portion) 1100 of the screen 110A to reach thediffused reflection portion 72. Then, light is irregularly reflected bythe diffused reflection portion 72.

The diffused reflection portion 72 is provided to extend all over theupper edge portion of the screen 110A. The substrate 70 may be providedto extend all over the lower edge portion of the screen 110A.Alternatively, the substrate 70 may be divided into parts as needed, andthe divided parts may be provided apart from each other. The locationand the output angle of the one or more light emitters 71 are adjustedas needed, so that light from the light emitters 71 reaches the wholediffused reflection portion 72 uniformly. Thus, the light emitters 71arranged in the casing 11A and the diffused reflection portion 72illuminated by the light emitters 71 constitute a light emission unit.The light emission unit is provided so that at least one of edges of thescreen 110A is fringed with the light emission unit.

The device of Sixth Embodiment is structured as above. In thisembodiment, light from the light emitters 71 passes through the incidentportion (light guiding portion) 1100 of the screen 110A, to reach thediffused reflection portion 72. Then, light is irregularly reflected bythe diffused reflection portion 72, toward a user. As a result, there iscreated a band of reflected light which is long in the horizontaldirection and with which the upper edge portion of the screen 110A isfringed. In consequence, visual effects and decorative effects areimproved. Note that a light-shielding member may be provided between thediffused reflection portion 72 and the casing 10 to prevent theirregularly reflected light from going toward the inside of the casing10. Such a light-shielding member is not illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 21B, light emitted from the light emitters 71 does notwholly go to the diffused reflection portion 72. A part of light leaksthrough a gap between the substrate 70 and the bottom surface 10 a. Thisreduces the efficiency of light application. Further, there is apossibility that the leakage light is scattered in the casing 10 toreduce the brightness and resolution of images from the projector mainbody 12.

To deal with this, a light-shielding member 73 is provided at the gap inSixth Embodiment, to prevent the leakage of light into the casing 10.The light-shielding member 73 is a narrow and long strip-like thinplate. The light-shielding member 73 is secured to the lower edgeportion of the screen 110A and to and end portion of the bottom surface10 a. For example, the light-shielding member 73 is attached to theseportions via an adhesive. The material for the light-shielding member 73may be any material such as metal and resin, as long as the material hasa light-shielding function. In light of workability, it is desirable touse a flexible material.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21B, a light-shielding member 74 may beprovided around the light emitters 71 to prevent light from the lightemitters 71 from going to the display portion 1101 of the screen 110A.

Sixth Embodiment deals with the case where the diffused reflectionportion 72 is provided at the upper edge portion (upper side) of theincident portion (light guiding portion) 1100 of the screen 110A. Thepresent invention is not limited to this arrangement. The diffusedreflection portion 72 may be provided at a portion of the screen unit11A that is above the screen 110A. Such a modification is notillustrated. As described above, the light-shielding member is providedat an edge portion of the screen 110A. The light-shielding member isconfigured to shield the display portion of the screen 110A from lighttraveling from the light emission unit (the light emitters 71 and thediffused reflection portion 72) toward the display portion.

It is a matter of course that the light emitting unit of SixthEmbodiment is applicable to the screen units 11B and 11C described inFirst Embodiment.

In Sixth Embodiment, light emitted from the light emitters 71 on thesubstrate 70 provided in the vicinity of the lower edge portion of thescreen 110A is reflected to create a band of light with which the upperedge portion of the screen 110A is fringed. This improves the visualeffects and decorative characteristics of the display device 1. Inaddition, the leakage of light from the light emitters 71 to the insideof the casing 10 is prevented. This enhances the efficiency of lightapplication and eliminates the effect on images projected on the screen110A. The substrate 70 may be provided in the vicinity of the upper edgeportion, the left edge portion, and/or the right edge portion of thescreen 110A, and the diffused reflection portion 72 may be provided, soas to be opposed thereto, at the lower edge portion, right edge portion,and/or the left edge portion of the incident portion (light guidingportion) 1100. With this, the edge portion(s) (the upper edge portion,the lower edge portion, and/or the left edge portion) of the screen 110Ais/are illuminated, as needed.

(Modification 1) In Modification 1, a light-shielding member (side wall)75 is provided between the substrate 70 and the casing 10 to prevent theleakage of light into the casing 10, as shown in FIG. 22. Thelight-shielding member 75 is a thin plate-like member having apredetermined height. In this arrangement, functions and effects similarto those in the above Sixth Embodiment are provided.

(Modification 2) In Modification 2, the substrate 70 having alight-shielding function is oriented vertically, as shown in FIG. 23.The substrate 70 itself prevents the leakage, to the casing 10, of lightemitted from the light emitters. In this arrangement, functions andeffects similar to those in the above Sixth Embodiment are provided. Inaddition, reduction in the number of components is achievable.

Seventh Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Seventh Embodiment ofthe present invention, with reference to FIG. 24 to FIG. 26. Note thatelements which are the same as or similar to those in the aboveembodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof are omitted.

The display device of Seventh Embodiment is configured to improve visualeffects and decorative characteristics by illuminating an upper edgeportion of a concave screen 110D, as shown in FIG. 17, for example.

In the display device 1 of Seventh Embodiment, the screen 110D includesthe incident portion (light guiding portion) 1100 and the displayportion 1101, as shown in FIG. 24. The incident portion 1100 has apredetermined thickness and light is transmittable therethrough. Thedisplay panel 1101 has a predetermined thickness, and a projected imageis displayed on a surface thereof. Further, at least one substrate (LEDsubstrate) 70 is provided on the bottom surface 10 a of the casing 10and in the vicinity of a lower edge portion of the screen 110D. Thediffused reflection portion 72 is provided at the upper edge portion ofthe incident portion (light guiding portion) 1100 of the screen 110D.The diffused reflection portion 72 includes projections and recesses toirregularly reflect light.

Similarly to that in Sixth Embodiment, the diffused reflection portion72 is provided to extend all over the upper edge portion of the screen110D. The substrate 70 may be provided to extend all over the lower edgeportion of the screen 110D. Alternatively, the substrate 70 may bedivided into parts as needed, and the divided parts may be providedapart from each other. The location and the output angle of the one ormore light emitters 71 are adjusted as needed, so that light from thelight emitters 71 reaches the whole diffused reflection portion 72uniformly.

As a result, there is created a band of reflected light which is long inthe horizontal direction and with which the upper edge portion of thescreen 110D is fringed. In consequence, visual effects and decorativeeffects are improved. In FIG. 24, the LED substrate 60 and thereflection plate 61 are provided behind the reflector 13. The LEDsubstrate 60 and the reflection plate 61 may be omitted as needed.

To prevent the leakage of light emitted from the light emitters 71through a gap between the substrate 70 and the bottom surface 10 a, thelight-shielding member 73 is provided in the gap. With this, leakage oflight into the casing 10 is prevented.

Further, a light-shielding member may be provided around the lightemitters 71 to prevent light emitted from the light emitters 71 fromgoing to the display portion 1101 of the screen 110D (see FIG. 21B).

In Seventh Embodiment, light emitted from the light emitters 71 on thesubstrate 70 provided in the vicinity of the lower edge portion of thescreen 110D is reflected to create a band of light with which the upperedge portion of the screen 110D is fringed, similarly to SixthEmbodiment. This improves the visual effects and decorativecharacteristics of the display device 1. In addition, the leakage oflight from the light emitters 71 to the inside of the casing 10 isprevented. This enhances the efficiency of light application andeliminates the effect on the image projected on the screen 110D.Similarly to Sixth Embodiment, the substrate 70 may be provided in thevicinity of the upper edge portion, the left edge portion, and/or theright edge portion of the screen 110D, and the diffused reflectionportion 72 may be provided, so as to be opposed thereto, at the loweredge portion, right edge portion, and/or the left edge portion of theincident portion (light guiding portion) 1100. With this, the edgeportion(s) (the upper edge portion, the lower edge portion, and/or theleft edge portion) of the screen 110D is/are illuminated, as needed.

(Modification 1) In Modification 1, to prevent the leakage of lightemitted from the light emitters 71 into the casing 10 through the gapbetween the substrate 70 and the bottom surface 10 a, the bottom surface10 a having a light-shielding function is shaped to close the gap, asshown in FIG. 25. In this arrangement, functions and effects similar tothose in the above Seventh Embodiment are provided. In addition,reduction in the number of components is achievable.

(Modification 2) In Modification 2, the substrate 70 has alight-shielding function is oriented vertically, as shown in FIG. 26.The substrate 70 itself prevents the leakage of light emitted from thelight emitters into the casing 10. In this arrangement, functions andeffects similar to those in the above Seventh Embodiment are provided.In addition, reduction in the number of components is achievable.

Also in Modifications 1 and 2, the LED substrate 60 and the reflectionplate 61 may be omitted, as needed.

Eighth Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Eighth Embodiment ofthe present invention, with reference to FIG. 27 to FIG. 33. Note thatelements which are the same as or similar to those in the aboveembodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof are omitted.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a display device G1 of EighthEmbodiment. As shown in

FIG. 27, the display device G1 includes a casing G10, and a screen unitG11. The entire front surface of the screen unit G11 is structured by ascreen G110 having a concave shape. The casing G10 includes a base bodyG101 and a projector accommodating body G102.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the display device G1. Asshown in FIG. 28, the base body G101 has a flat-plate-like rear portionG101 a and a bottom portion G101 b. These portions respectively form arear wall and a bottom wall of the casing G10. The projector main body12 is attached to the bottom portion G101 b to be placed thereon. Thereflector 13 is provided along the inner surface of the rear portionG101 a.

The projector accommodating body G102 is attached to the bottom portionG101 b so as to cover the projector main body 12. With this, theprojector accommodating body G102 accommodates the projector main body12 in its internal space. The internal space opens toward the top. Thisenables light for images emitted from the projector main body 12 toreach the reflector 13 disposed along the rear portion G101 a. Thescreen unit G11 is attached to cover the reflector 13. The screen unitG11 is configured so that light reflected by the reflector 13 is appliedto the screen G110.

As described above, the display device G1 of Eighth Embodiment functionsas a transmission-type projector device similar to those of theabove-described embodiments. However, the display device G1 is notlimited to this. The display device may be a device incorporatingtherein a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence)display.

For the sake of convenience, a direction orthogonal to a main surface ofthe rear portion G101 a may be referred to as a front-back direction inthe following description of Eighth Embodiment. The position of thescreen unit G11 relative to the rear portion G101 a in the front-backdirection may be expressed as “in front (frontward) of the displaydevice G1”, and the direction opposite to the front direction may bereferred to as “back (backward, rearward) direction”. The left and rightas seen from the front of the device may be referred to as the right(rightward) and the left (leftward) of the display device G1,respectively. Further, the direction including the rightward andleftward directions may be referred to as a left-right direction.Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction and tothe left-right direction may be referred to as an up-down direction or aheight direction.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the display device G1, viewed from theback. As shown in FIG. 27 to FIG. 29, a light guiding plate G61 isdisposed behind the rear portion G101 a of the base body G101 so as tobe parallel to the rear portion G101 a. That is, the light guiding plateG61 is disposed to be parallel to the up-down direction and theleft-right direction. The light guiding plate G61 is configured so thatlight is transmittable therethrough and light having entered the plateis guided in the plate. While the light guiding plate G61 is a flatrectangular plate in Eighth Embodiment, the shape of the light guidingplate G61 is not limited to this. The light guiding plate G61 may haveany shape such as a circular shape. As shown in FIG. 29, the lightguiding plate G61 is secured to the base body G101 by a rear substratecover G62.

The display device G1 is disposed, for example, above an external devicesuch as a gaming machine. In this case, the display device G1 isoriented so that the screen G110 faces obliquely frontward and downward,to be opposed to the face of a user. It is preferable to structure thelight guiding plate G61, in terms its position and/or its size, so thatthe light guiding plate G61 can be seen above the screen G110 from theuser in the above situation.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the display device G1, viewedfrom the back. As shown in FIG. 30, the light guiding plate G61 has asubstantially circular opening G61 a penetrating therethrough in itsthickness direction. The light guiding plate G61 has an end surface(opening-side end surface G61 b) which extends circularly and faces theopening G61 a. In other words, the opening-side end surface G61 bdefines the opening G61 a of the light guiding plate G61. While theopening G61 a has a substantially circular shape in Eighth Embodiment,the shape of the opening is not limited to this. The opening may have aquadrangular shape. Further, a part of the circumferential edge of theopening G61 a may overlap the circumferential edge of the light guidingplate G61. That is, the opening G61 a may be formed by cutting off apart of the light guiding plate G61.

An LED substrate G60 is disposed between the light guiding plate G61 andthe base body G101. That is, a plurality of LEDs G60A are provided onthe LED substrate G60 which is different from the light guiding plateG61. The LEDs G60A are mounted on the LED substrate G60. The LEDs G60Aare disposed to be opposed to the opening-side end surface G61 b of thelight guiding plate G61. To be more specific, the LEDs G60A are providedat equal intervals on the LED substrate G60 so as to surround theopening G61 a along the opening-side end surface G61 b. When the openingG61 a is a cut-out opening as described above, the LEDs G60A arearranged in an arc shape along the cut-out opening. Each LED G60A has alight emission port opposed to the opening-side end surface G61 b. Thus,light is applied from the LEDs G60A on the LED substrate G60 radiallytoward the opening-side end surface G61 b of the light guiding plateG61. The optical axis of light applied from each LED G60A is parallel tothe light guiding plate G61. This enables light having entered the lightguiding plate G61 to travel through the light guiding plate G61 and toreach an outer end surface G61 c forming the circumferential edge of thelight guiding plate G61. The thickness of the light guiding plate G61 islonger than the length of each LED G60A in the front-back direction.This prevents the rear substrate cover G62, by which the light guidingplate G61 is secured, from coming into contact with the LEDs G60A in theopening G61 a of the light guiding plate G61.

As such, light emitted from the LEDs G60A disposed in the opening G61 aof the light guiding plate G61 enters through the opening-side endsurface G61 b of the light guiding plate G61, and then light is guidedin the light guiding plate G61, to illuminate the whole area of theouter end surface G61 c of the light guiding plate G61. In other words,the plurality of LEDs G60A, which are disposed outside the casing G10and on the opposite side of the casing from the screen G110, and thelight guiding plate G61 illuminated by the LEDs G60A constitute a lightemission unit. Thus, light emitted from the LEDs G60A is radiallydispersed in the light guiding plate G61 and reaches the outer endsurface G61 c. This makes it possible to illuminate the wholecircumference of the light guiding plate G61 annularly. As a result, thethus illuminated light guiding plate G61 is visible from all thedirections relative to the display device G1, which makes it easier toidentify the external device, such as a gaming machine, to which thedisplay device G1 is attached.

The LED substrate G60 is configured so that lighting of the LEDs G60Acan be controlled individually. The LED substrate G60 includes a memory(not illustrated) which stores a plurality of lighting patterns. TheLEDs G60A are controlled in accordance with one of the patterscorresponding to a signal transmitted from outside. For example, the LEDsubstrate G60 selects one of the lighting patterns corresponding to asignal indicating the gaming state or the like transmitted from theexternal device (e.g., gaming machine) connected to the display deviceG1, or in response to an operation performed through an input device(not illustrated) included in the display device G1. Then, the LEDsubstrate G60 controls the LEDs G60A based on the thus selected pattern.For example, a drive effect in which light streams along thecircumferential edge of the light guiding plate G61 is provided bycontrolling the LEDs G60A in accordance with the lighting pattern toturning on the LEDs G60A sequentially in order of their arrangement.Further, when full-color LEDs are used as the LEDs G60A, variousnotifications using the color of the LEDs are possible. For example, thefollowing arrangement is possible: when an input operation to call anattendant or the like is performed by a user through a touch sensor orthe like, which will be described later, the LEDs are turned on in red;and when there is an anomaly in the external device (e.g., gamingmachine), the LEDs blink in yellow.

The light guiding plate G61 has portions processed to have a reflectionfunction to reflect, in a direction of the thickness toward the basebody G101, a part of light emitted from the LEDs G60A and passingthrough the light guiding plate G61. Such processing to the lightguiding plate G61 may be made to form a shape with designability. Inthis case, illumination of this shape appears on a main surface of thelight guiding plate G61 when the LEDs are turned on. The following willspecifically describe the processing onto the light guiding plate G61for reflectivity, with reference to an illustration of a pattern of pathof light traveling through the light guiding plate G61.

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B each is an explanatory diagram showing an exampleof a pattern of path of light emitted from the LEDs G60A and travelingthrough the light guiding plate G61. As shown in FIG. 31A, when noprocessing for reflection is made to the path of light emitted from theLEDs G60A, light emitted from the LEDs G60A enters the light guidingplate G61 through the opening-side end surface G61 b, travels inside thelight guiding plate G61 in a planar direction (up-down direction), andthen reaches the outer end surface G61 c. With this, the entirecircumference of the light guiding plate G61 is annularly illuminated.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 31B, the light guiding plate G61 hasreflecting portions G61 d which reflect light traveling in the planardirection of the light guiding plate G61 (up-down direction). In EighthEmbodiment, each reflecting portion G61 d is a dent formed on the mainsurface of the light guiding plate G61 that is opposite from the LEDsubstrate G60. The reflecting portion G61 d has a reflecting surface,the normal of which is inclined 45 degrees toward the thicknessdirection (frontward) relative to the path of light emitted from theLEDs G60A. Thus, light arriving at the reflecting portion G61 d isreflected toward the LED substrate G60 in the thickness direction of thelight guiding plate G61 (i.e., frontward). The reflecting portions G61 dmay be provided inside the light guiding plate by laser processing, forexample.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of illuminationmanners of the light guiding plate G61. As shown in FIG. 32, light isradially emitted from the LEDs G60A (see FIG. 30) arranged in theopening G61 a. Light reaches the outer end surface G61 c, to illuminatethe circumferential edge of the light guiding plate G61. A part of lightemitted from the LEDs G60A (see FIG. 30) is reflected frontward by thereflecting portions G61 d, to form bright spots on the main surface ofthe light guiding plate G61. Because the reflecting portions G61 d arecollectively provided so as to form a design, the bright spots formed bylight reflected by the reflecting portions G61 d form the design by wayof pointillism.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the display device G1, viewedfrom the back. As shown in FIG. 33, the plurality of LEDs G60A areprovided on the LED substrate G60 which is different from the lightguiding plate G61. The LED substrate G60 has alignment portions G60 e.The light guiding plate G61 has alignment portions G61 e. Thesealignment portions G60 e and G61 e are provided to align the substrateand the plate with each other so that the LEDs G60A are positioned to beopposed to the opening-side end surface G61 b of the light guiding plateG61.

To be more specific, the alignment portions G60 e are four through holesrespectively provided at four corners of the light guiding plate G61,each penetrating the plate G61 in the front-back direction. Thealignment portions G61 e are four through holes respectivelycorresponding to the four alignment portions G60 e. The rear substratecover G62 also has alignment portions G62 e. The rear substrate coverG62 and the LED substrate G60 sandwich the light guiding plate G61between them.

On the rear portion G101 a of the base body G101, there are providedalignment members G101 e for aligning the components in association withthe alignment portions G60 e and G61 e of the LED substrate G60 and thelight guiding plate G61. Each alignment member G101 e has a cylindricalshape with a cross section engageable in the alignment portions G60 e,G61 e, and G62 e. The alignment member G101 e is longer than the totalsum of the thicknesses of the LED substrate G60, the light guiding plateG61, and the rear substrate cover G62. The alignment member G101 eprojects rearward from the base body G101.

As such, the LED substrate G60, the light guiding plate G61, and therear substrate cover G62 are provided, attachably to and detachably fromthe base body G101. These components are aligned with the base body G101by inserting the alignment members G101 e of the base body G101 into thealignment portions G60 e, G61 e, and G62 e of the LED substrate G60, thelight guiding plate G61, and the rear substrate cover G62, sequentially.

When the light guiding plate G61 is aligned, the alignment portions G61e are first aligned with projecting end portions of the alignmentmembers G101 e of the base body G101 and the alignment members G101 eare inserted into the alignment portions G61 e. Then, the light guidingplate G61 is moved frontward while the movement in the up-down directionand the left-right direction is restricted by the alignment members G101e, to be placed on the LED substrate G60. Thus, the movement of thelight guiding plate G61 is restricted by the alignment members G101 eonly to the movement in the front-back direction. This prevents thelight guiding plate G61 from coming into contact with the LEDs G60Aprovided on the LED substrate G60 during the alignment.

(Outline of Eighth Embodiment)

The display device G1 of Eighth Embodiment includes: thelight-transmitting light guiding plate G61 provided so as to beattachable to and detachable from the base body G101, and including theopening-side end surface G61 b of a predetermined shape which forms theopening G61 a penetrating the plate G61 in its thickness direction; theLEDs G60A arranged to be opposed to the opening-side end surface G61 bforming the opening G61 a of the light guiding plate G61, the LEDs G60Abeing arranged to be aligned along the opening-side end surface G61 b,and the light guiding plate G61 including the reflecting portions G61 dprocessed to reflect, in the thickness direction of the light guidingplate G61, a part of light emitted from the LEDs G60A and guided intothe light guiding plate G61 through the opening-side end surface G61 b.

In the above arrangement, light emitted from the LEDs G60A arranged inthe opening of the light guiding plate G61 enters through theopening-side end surface G61 b of the light guiding plate G61, and thenthe light is guided in the light guiding plate G61, to illuminate thewhole area of the outer end surface G61 c of the light guiding plateG61. Meanwhile, a part of light guided in the light guiding plate G61exits through a surface of the light guiding plate G61, reflected by thereflecting portions G61 d of the light guiding plate G61. The reflectingportions G61 d have been processed to reflect light. Thus, light emittedfrom the LEDs G60A is radially dispersed in the light guiding plate G61and reaches the outer end surface G61 c. This makes it possible toilluminate the whole circumference of the light guiding plate G61annularly. As a result, the thus illuminated light guiding plate G61 isvisible from all the directions relative to the display device G1, whichmakes it easier to identify the external device (e.g., a gaming machine)to which the display device G1 is attached. Further, the designabilityof the display device G1 is improved by light exiting from the surfaceof the light guiding plate G61. In addition, because the light guidingplate G61 is attachable to and detachable from the base body G101, it ispossible to replace one light guiding plate G61 with another lightguiding plate G61 processed to reflect light to provide a differentdesign. Thus, the display device G1 is applicable to various types ofgaming machines.

Further, in the display device G1 of Eighth Embodiment, the LEDs G60Aare provided on the LED substrate G60 which is different from the lightguiding plate G61. The LED substrate G60 and the light guiding plate G61respectively include the alignment portions G60 e and the alignmentportions G61 e for aligning them so that the LEDs G60A are positioned tobe opposed to the opening-side end surface G61 b of the light guidingplate G61.

In the above arrangement, the position of the detachable light guidingplate G61 is determined by the alignment portions G60 e and G61 e sothat the LEDs G60A are opposed to the opening-side end surface G61 b ofthe light guiding plate G61. Thus, the light guiding plate G61 isaccurately aligned by the alignment portions G60 e and G61 e. Thisprevents reduction of visual effects caused by misalignment.

Furthermore, in the display device G1 of Eighth Embodiment, the basebody G101 includes the alignment members G101 e which align thecomponents in association with the alignment portions G60 e and G61 e ofthe LED substrate G60 and the light guiding plate G61.

In the above arrangement, the alignment is performed by the alignmentmembers G101 e provided on the base body G101 and the alignment portionsG60 e and G61 e of the LED substrate G60 and the light guiding plateG61, which are associated with one another. With this, the LED substrateG60 and the light guiding plate G61 are aligned with each other, and arealso aligned with the base body G101. As a result, the reduction ofvisual effects caused by misalignment is further prevented.

In the display device G1 of Eighth Embodiment, the opening G61 a has asubstantially circular shape, and the LEDs G60A are arranged annularlyalong the opening-side end surface G61 b forming the opening G61 a.

In this arrangement, the LEDs G60A are arranged annularly along theopening-side end surface G61 b forming the substantially circularopening G61 a. Because the LEDs G60A are arranged annularly along theopening-side end surface G61 b of the light guiding plate G61, thenumber of the LEDs G60A can be minimized. Further, this enable lightfrom the LEDs G60A to more efficiently enter the light guiding plateG61, to more effectively illuminate the outer end surface G61 c of thelight guiding plate G61.

Ninth Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Ninth Embodiment ofthe present invention, with reference to FIG. 34 to FIG. 37. Note thatelements which are the same as or similar to those in the aboveembodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof are omitted. In Ninth Embodiment, a description will be givenfor an alternative of the projector accommodating body G102 (see FIG. 28and FIG. 29) which has been described in Eighth Embodiment. The otherelements and the like are similar to those in Eighth Embodiment, andtherefore the description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a projector accommodating body F102included in a display device F1 of Ninth Embodiment. As shown in FIG.34, the projector accommodating body F102 is attached to the base bodyG101 so as to cover the projector main body 12 (see FIG. 28), below thescreen unit G11. With this, the projector accommodating body F102accommodates the projector main body 12 in its internal space. Similarlyto that in Eighth Embodiment, the internal space opens toward the top.This enables light for images emitted from the projector main body 12 toreach the reflector 13 disposed along the rear portion G101 a. Theprojector accommodating body F102 of Ninth Embodiment further has afunction as an input device configured to receive an input by a user,and a function of giving a notice to the user. The following willspecifically describe the projector accommodating body F102.

The projector accommodating body F102 includes an exterior panel F1021forming the front outer shape of the projector accommodating body F102.The exterior panel F1021 includes a touch area F1021 a, a speakerportion F1021 c, and a light receiving portion F1021 d.

The touch area F1021 a is a rectangular input area defined so as tocorrespond to the shape of a touch sensor F1022 (see FIG. 35), whichwill be described later. The touch area F1021 a has a light-transmittingportion F1021 b through which light is transmittable. That is, lightapplied from the back side is transmittable through thelight-transmitting portion F1021 b. In Ninth Embodiment, thelight-transmitting portion F1021 b has a rectangular shape indicatingthe range of the touch area F1021 a, and a picture of a hand and a textof “CALL” are provided in the rectangle. However, the light-transmittingportion F1021 b is not limited to this. Further, in Ninth Embodiment,the exterior panel F1021 is made of a light-transmitting material, andprinting is performed thereon with non- transmissible ink so that thelight-transmitting portion F1021 b remains. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this. For example, the light-transmittingportion may be formed by providing a light-transmitting material to beflush with the exterior panel F1021. Alternatively, thelight-transmitting portion may be merely a through hole penetrating theexterior panel F1021. Further alternatively, the light-transmittingportion F1021 b may be formed by a through hole penetrating the exteriorpanel F1021 with an optical sheet (optical film) provided on the backside of the exterior panel F1021. The optical sheet (optical film) isconfigured to irregularly reflect light.

The speaker portion F1021 c is constituted by through holes throughwhich sound from a speaker F10253 (see FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) is output tothe outside. The speaker F10253 will be described later. The lightreceiving portion F1021 d is an input device configured to receive asignal such as an infrared signal from the outside.

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the projector accommodatingbody F102. As shown in FIG. 35, the projector accommodating body F102includes: the exterior panel F1021 described above; the touch sensorF1022; a light guiding plate F1023; an LED array F1024 provided on anupper edge of the light guiding plate F1023; a substrate F1025; a frameF1026; and an accommodating base body F1027.

The accommodating base body F1027 and the exterior panel F1021 form theouter shape of the projector accommodating body F102. The touch sensorF1022, the light guiding plate F1023, the LED array F1024, and thesubstrate F1025 are accommodated in the space created between theaccommodating base body F1027 and the exterior panel F1021. Further, theaccommodating base body F1027 is provided with light receiving elementsthrough which the speaker and the light receiving portion F1021 ddescribed above receive an optical signal transmitted from the outside.

The accommodating base body F1027 accommodates the projector main body12 (see FIG. 28) in its space which is on the opposite side from theexterior panel F1021. The speaker F10253 is provided at an upper leftportion on the front surface of the accommodating base body F1027. Soundfrom the speaker F10253 is output through the speaker portion F1021 c.

The substrate F1025 has a function of receiving an input from the touchsensor F1022 and from the light receiving portion F1021 d, and afunction of controlling lighting of the LED array F1024.

The LED array F1024 is an LED unit in which a plurality of full-colorLEDs are arranged in parallel. The LED array F1024 emits a plane oflight from the upper edge of the light guiding plate F1023 into thelight guiding plate F1023. The light guiding plate F1023 is providedbehind the touch sensor F1022. A reflection sheet is provided on theback surface of the light guiding plate F1023, while a diffusion sheetis provided on the front surface of the light guiding plate F1023. Lightemitted from the LED array F1024 travels through the light guiding plateF1023 while being reflected by the reflection sheet, to exit from theplane of the diffusion sheet provided on the front side of the lightguiding plate F1023. That is, the light guiding plate F1023 has afunction of guiding light emitted from the LED array F1024 toward thelight-transmitting portion F1021 b of the exterior panel F1021 providedon the front side, via the touch sensor F1022. With this, thelight-transmitting portion F1021 b, through which light istransmittable, is illuminated.

Through the touch sensor F1022, light is transmittable. The touch sensorF1022 is disposed behind the exterior panel F1021 so as to correspond tothe touch area F1021 a. This enables the touch sensor F1022 to detect aninput by a user made through a touch of the touch area F1021 a.

The touch sensor F1022, the light guiding plate F1023 with the LED arrayF1024, and the substrate F1025 are attached to the frame F1026, and thenthese members are attached to a central portion of the accommodatingbase body F1027 that is on the side closer to the exterior panel F1021.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of theprojector accommodating body F102. As shown in FIG. 36, the substrateF1025 includes a control circuit F10250, a ROM (read only memory)F10251, a RAM (random access memory) F10252, a communication interfaceF10254. The control circuit F10250 includes a CPU (central processingunit), and a circuit for controlling the LED array F1024 and the speakerF10253. The ROM F10251 stores therein lighting patterns and the likeused for lighting control of the LED array. The RAM F10252 temporarilystores information input from the outside, for example. Thecommunication interface F10254 is for communicating with an externaldevice 2 such as a gaming machine, and with the LED substrate G60 (seeFIG. 30), for example. The communication with the external device may beperformed via the LED substrate G60 or via an unillustrated controlboard controlling the LED substrate G60. Further, signals do not have tobe transmitted directly from the external device. Signals may betransmitted indirectly, i.e., via other devices, such as a server and acontroller in a casino, for example.

As described above, the substrate F1025 is capable of changing theillumination for the light-transmitting portion F1021 b based oninformation from the touch sensor F1022 and/or the external device.Further, the substrate F1025 is connected to the LED substrate G60 whichilluminates the light guiding plate G61 disposed on the back side of thedisplay device G1. This structure makes it possible to provide effectsand/or notification by the illumination for the light-transmittingportion F1021 b and the illumination for the light guiding plate G61which are synchronized with each other.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a control process executed by the controlcircuit F10250. The operation of the control circuit F10250 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 37.

As shown in FIG. 37, the control circuit F10250 first determines whetheran input has been received (S1). The input includes: an input to thetouch sensor F1022 by a user; and an input of a signal (e.g., a signalindicating a gaming state) transmitted from an external device such as agaming machine connected to the display device. If there is no input(S1: NO), the step S1 is repeated. Note that the control process mayinclude a step performed when there is no input. For example,illumination of the light-transmitting portion F1021 b (LED array F1024)in a predetermined manner may be continued unless an input to the touchsensor F1022 is received.

When there is an input (S1: YES), the control circuit F10250 discernsthe type of the input (S2). Then, the control circuit F10250 determinesthe object to be controlled (S3). That is, the control circuit F10250selects the actuator to be controlled based on the type of the input.The actuator includes: the LED array F1024, the speaker F10253, and theLEDs G60A on the LED substrate G60. That is, the ROM F10251 storestherein a data table in which the controlled actuators are associatedwith the types of the input. The control circuit F10250 selects theactuator associated with the concerned type of the input referring tothe data table.

Then, the control circuit F10250 selects a control pattern according towhich the actuator is controlled (S4). That is, the ROM F10251 storestherein a data table in which the control patterns of the actuators areassociated with the types of the input. The control circuit F10250selects the control pattern associated with the actuator to becontrolled, referring to the data table.

Then, the control circuit F10250 controls the actuator in accordancewith the selected control pattern (S5). Then, the process ends. To bemore specific, when an input is made by a user to the touch sensorF1022, the control circuit performs control to change the illuminationmanner of the light-transmitting portion F1021 b (LED array F1024) tothe pattern associated with the type of the input. When controlling theLEDs G60A in response to an input to the touch sensor F1022, the controlcircuit F10250 transmits a control signal to the LED substrate G60 or toa control board controlling the LED substrate G60, to control the LEDsG60A.

Further, when touch input is performed by a user, the control circuitF10250 may instruct the LED substrate G60 to emit light from the LEDsG60A in a predetermined manner and/or instruct a projector controller todisplay a predetermined image on the screen G110. When the controlcircuit F10250 instructs the LED substrate G60 to emit light, the lightguiding plate G61, which is visible from a lateral side of the displaydevice and is larger than the main body, is turned on in thepredetermined manner (e.g., in red), in addition to thelight-transmitting portion F1021 b of the touch area F1021 a and thescreen G110 in front of a user. This makes it easier for theadministrator of the external device to find the display device throughwhich the administrator is called (the external device provided with thedisplay device G1 through which the administrator is called). Theadministrator arriving at that external device (e.g., a gaming machine)generally turns off the illumination through operation on the touchsensor F1022 (touch area F1021 a). However, the device may be arrangedso that the lighting manner of the LEDs G60A is changed by the LEDsubstrate F1025 over the time elapsing from the touch input. Forexample, the control circuit F10250 may control the LEDs G60A so as to:turn on the LEDs G60A in red in response to an input by a user; changethe lighting manner so that the LEDs G60A blink in red, 30 seconds afterthe input by the user; and further change the lighting manner so thatthe LEDs G60A blink in red at a speed higher than before, one minuteafter the input by the user. This enables the administrator of theexternal device to understand, at a glance, how much time has passedfrom the input by the user, even if the administrator is away from theexternal device. Therefore, if the administrator is called from aplurality of external devices, the above arrangement enables theadministrator to prioritize the devices to be dealt with, leading toappropriate service for users.

As described above, the control circuit F10250 performs control tochange the lighting manner of the LEDs G60A, which are the light sourcesfor the light guiding plate G61, when a touch input to the touch areaF1021 a is made. Further, the control circuit F10250 performs control tochange the lighting manner of the LEDs G60A depending on the time havingpassed from the touch input to the touch area F1021 a. Herein, “tochange the lighting manner” includes an operation to turn on theturned-off LEDs, and an operation to change the lighting state of theturned-on LEDs from one state to another state. The lighting manner ofthe LEDs G60A may be changed intermittently, at predetermined timing asdescribed above, or may be changed continuously over the time from theinput. For example, the color or the blinking speed of the LEDs may bechanged gradually. The control of the LEDs G60A based on the touch inputto the touch area F1021 a does not have to be performed by transmittingan instruction signal from the control circuit F10250 to the LEDsubstrate G60 and/or the projector controller, as described above. Forexample, the display device F1 may be configured so that the LEDs G60Aare connected to the control circuit F10250 to enable the controlcircuit F10250 to directly control the LEDs G60A.

(Outline of Ninth Embodiment)

The display device F1 of Ninth Embodiment includes: the exterior panelF1021 having the light-transmitting portion F1021 b through which lightis transmittable and which is provided in the touch area touchable by auser; the light-transmitting touch sensor F1022 which is provided behindthe exterior panel F1021 so as to correspond to the touch area F1021 a,and is configured to detect a touch input to the touch area F1021 a; theLED array F1024; the light guiding plate F1023 which is provided behindthe touch sensor F1022, and is configured to guide light emitted fromthe LED array F1024 to the light-transmitting portion F1021 b of theexterior panel F1021; and the control circuit F10250 configured toperform lighting control of the LED array F1024.

In the above arrangement, when a touch input to the touch area F1021 ais made by a user, the touch sensor F1022 detects the touch input.Meanwhile, the LED array F1024 is turned on under the lighting controlby the control circuit F10250, and light emitted from the LED arrayF1024 is guided to the light-transmitting portion F1021 b, so that theuser is able to see light through the light-transmitting portion F1021b. With this arrangement, light emitted from the LED array F1024 isapplied to the light-transmitting portion F1021 b in the touch areaF1021 a of the exterior panel F1021. This makes it easier for the userto understand where to touch. Further, the input is made to the toucharea F1021 a formed as a planar surface, instead of a known call buttonhaving a movable portion. This prevents failures caused by dirt or thelike entering a space around the movable portion, and failures caused byfatigue in the movable portion.

In the display device F1 of Ninth Embodiment, the control circuit F10250performs control so as to change the lighting manner of the LED arrayF1024 when there is a touch input to the touch area F1021 a.

In the above arrangement, the change of the lighting manner of the LEDarray F1024 illuminating the light-transmitting portion F1021 b enablesthe user to confirm that the touch input by the player has beenreceived. This prevents the user from repeatedly touching the touch areaF1021 a before a staff person comes, which may cause deterioration ofthe surface of the touch area.

The display device F1 of Ninth Embodiment may further include: thelight-transmitting light guiding plate G61 provided so as to beattachable to and detachable from the base body G101, and having theopening-side end surface G61 b of a predetermined shape which forms anopening penetrating the plate G61 in its thickness direction; the LEDsG60A arranged to be opposed to the opening-side end surface G61 bforming the opening G61 a of the light guiding plate G61, and thedisplay device may be arranged such that: the LEDs G60A are arranged tobe aligned along the opening-side end surface G61 b, and the lightguiding plate G61 includes the reflecting portions G61 d processed toreflect, in the thickness direction of the light guiding plate G61, apart of light emitted from the LEDs G60A and guided into the lightguiding plate G61 through the opening-side end surface G61 b; and thecontrol circuit F10250 performs control to change the lighting manner ofthe LEDs G60A to a predetermined lighting manner, when there is a touchinput to the touch area F1021 a.

In this arrangement, in response to a touch input by a user, thelighting manner of light emitted from the LEDs G60A is changed to thepredetermined lighting manner. Light radially spreads in the lightguiding plate G61 and reaches the outer end surface of the plate G61,and thereby the entire circumference of the light guiding plate G61 islighted annularly. As a result, the light guiding plate G61 lighted inthe predetermined lighting manner is visible from any direction relativeto the display device F1. This makes it easier for the administrator(e.g. the administrator of a casino) to find the external device (e.g.,gaming machine) provided with the display device F1 through which thetouch input has been made. Further, the designability of the displaydevice F1 is improved by light exiting from the surface of the lightguiding plate G61. In addition, because the light guiding plate G61 isdetachable from the base body, it is possible to replace one lightguiding plate G61 with another light guiding plate G61 processed toreflect light to provide a different design. Thus, the display device F1is applicable to various types of external devices.

In the display device F1 of Ninth Embodiment, the control circuit F10250may perform control so as to change the lighting manner of the LEDs G60Aover the time having passed from the touch input to the touch area F1021a.

In this arrangement, the administrator (e.g., the administrator of acasino) is able to know, at a glance, how much time has passed from thetouch input by a user by seeing the lighting manner of the light guidingplate G61, even if the administrator is away from the external device(e.g., gaming machine). When such a touch input is made through aplurality of display devices F1, the above arrangement enables theadministrator to prioritize the display devices to be dealt with,leading to appropriate service for users.

Tenth Embodiment

The following will describe the display device of Tenth Embodiment ofthe present invention. In Tenth Embodiment, the configuration offunctional blocks of a display device will be described with referenceto the mechanical structure of the devices of the above-describedEmbodiments.

(Functional Block Diagram)

A display device H1 includes: a projector H12 configured to projectlight to display information in the form of a projection image; a screenH110 having a display surface through which light projected by theprojector passes to form a projection image thereon; and a controllerH1000 configured to control the projector H12. The display surface ofthe screen H110 has a non-planar shape. The display surface of thescreen H110 may have a curved shape having inclination, like the displaysurface of the screen 110D (see FIG. 17), for example, to make thedisplay surface non-planar. The display surface of the screen H110 maybe formed by a plurality of projection surface members partiallyoverlapping each other, like the display surface of the screen 110E (seeFIG. 19) or the display surface of the screen 110F (see FIG. 20), tomake the display surface non-planar. Alternatively, the screen H110 maybe arranged to be replaceable in the display device H1, like the screens11A to 11C (see FIG. 5).

The display device H1 includes: a screen unit H11 including the screenH110 and the projector H12 as constituent elements; a light emissionunit H6 having light sources H60A and an illuminated portion H61illuminated by the light sources H60A; and the controller H1000. Thecontroller H1000 includes: a projector controller H1001 configured tocontrol the screen unit H11; and a light emission unit controller H1002configured to control the light emission unit H6. The light emissionunit H6 may be provided so that at least one of the edge portions of thescreen H110 is fringed therewith, for example, like the light emitters71 and the diffused reflection portion 72 (see FIG. 21 to FIG. 26). Inthis case, the edge portion(s) of the screen H110 may be arranged sothat the display surface of the screen H110 is shielded from lightemitted from the light emission unit H6.

The light emission unit H6 may be disposed so that: the illuminatedportion H61 overlaps the screen H110 when viewed from the front; and atleast an illuminated part of the illuminated portion H61 is visible fromthe front. More specifically, the light emission unit H6 may beconfigured as follows, like the LEDs G60A and the light guiding plateG61 (see FIG. 27 to FIG. 29 and FIG. 32), for example. That is, thelight emission unit H6 may include: a light-transmitting light guidingplate functioning as the illuminated portion H61, provided on theopposite side of a casing from the display surface so as to beattachable to and detachable from the casing, and having an opening of apredetermined shape penetrating the plate in its thickness direction;and the light sources H60A disposed to be opposed to an opening-side endsurface forming the opening of the light guiding plate, and may bearranged such that the light sources H60A are arranged to be alignedalong the opening-side end surface, and light from the light sourcesH60A is guided in the light guiding plate through the opening-side endsurface, to illuminate an outer end surface of the light guiding plate.In this case, the light guiding plate functioning as the illuminatedportion H61 may have a reflecting portion, similarly to the lightguiding plate G61 (see FIG. 31B and FIG. 32). The reflecting portion hasbeen processed to reflect, in the thickness direction of the plate, apart of light emitted from the light sources H60A and guided in theplate.

The display device H1 further includes an input device H1022 configuredto receive operation from the outside. The input device H1022 may be atouch sensor provided to the display device H1, like the touch sensorF1022 (see FIG. 35 and FIG. 36). The touch sensor functioning as theinput device H1022 may be provided to the screen H110, or may beprovided to the casing of the screen unit H11. The display device H1 maycontrol the light emission unit to emit light in a predetermined lightemission mode upon receiving a signal from the input device H1022.

The display device H1 is connected to an external device H2 such as agaming machine. The external device H2 includes a controller H200 and astorage device H204. The controller H200 includes: an execution unitH202 configured to execute the functions of the external device; and adisplay contents determining unit H201 configured to determine contentsto be displayed by the display device H1. When the external device H2 isa gaming machine, for example, the execution unit H202 is a game runningunit configured to run a game, and the display contents determining unitH201 determines contents to be displayed by the display device H1 basedon the contents of a game executed by the execution unit H202, andtransmits the contents, in the form of signals, to the display deviceH1.

The storage device H204 stores therein video data to be displayed on thescreen unit H11, and data for light emission patterns used to controlthe light emission unit H6. The display contents determining unit H201selects a piece of data corresponding to the contents of the gameexecuted by the execution unit H202 from the pieces of data stored inthe storage device H204, and transmits a signal indicating the selectedpiece of data to the display device H1. Note that the display device H1may include a storage device H205 which stores therein video data to bedisplayed by the screen unit H11, and data for light emission patternsused to control the light emission unit H6. This enables the displaydevice H1 to operate independently.

The following will describe an example in which a gaming machine is usedas the external device H2, with reference to FIG. 39. As shown in FIG.39, the display device H1 is provided to function as a topper of thegaming machine. In the display device H1, the screen H110 of the screenunit H11, the display surface of which has a non-planar shape, isprovided so that the display surface of the screen H110 and the displayscreen of the gaming machine H2 are on the same side. The projector H12provided inside the display device H1 projects light from the inside tothe screen H110, to display information thereon in the form of aprojection image. In the display device H1, the light emission unit H6is provided on the back side so that the light emission unit H6 overlapsthe screen H110 when viewed from the front. The gaming machine H2transmits data to be displayed, to the display device H1, in accordancewith the contents of a game to be executed by the gaming machine H2.Based on the data transmitted from the gaming machine H2, the displaydevice H1 controls the projector H12 to project video images onto thescreen H110, and controls the light emission mode of the light emissionunit H6. The display device H1 does not have to include the lightemission unit H6 as long as the display device H1 includes: the screenH110 having the non-planar display surface (as a constituent element ofthe screen H110); and the projector configured to project light from theinside to display information on the screen H110 in the form of aprojection image.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, thepresent invention is not limited to the embodiments, modifications, andthe like described above.

For example, when the display device is connected to a gaming machine,different screen units may be used for different gaming machines.Alternatively, the same type of screen units may be used for a bank ofgaming machines.

It is only required that the display device is structured as atransmission type projector device with a screen unit replaceable withanother screen unit having a screen of a different configuration. Forexample, the projector main body may be installed on the upper surfaceor a side surface of the casing. Alternatively, the display device maybe arranged so that light projected from the projector main bodydirectly enters the incident surface or incident portion on the backside of the screen, without reflected by a reflector.

The number of types of replaceable screen units is not limited to three,as described in the above embodiments. The number of the types may betwo, or four or more, as long as there is a difference in theconfiguration or the like of the screen. Such a difference may be in thematerial of the screen, instead of the configuration of the screen.

The position of the light exit surfaces is not limited to the left andright end portions of the front surface. The light exit surfaces may beprovided at upper and lower portions of the front surface, or on theside surfaces.

The shape of the second display surfaces is not limited to thatdescribed above. Each second display surface may be of a parallelogram,rhombus, or circular shape, as long as the second display surfaces arelocated forward of the first display surface.

The operation unit including the buttons may be provided unitarily withthe screen unit.

The movable decoration sheets and the fixed decoration sheets do nothave to be provided on the side surfaces. For example, the sheets may beprovided behind the light exit surfaces on the front side.

The light sources used for the movable decoration sheets and the fixeddecoration sheets are not limited to the LEDs. For example,electroluminescent lamps or electric lamps may be used.

The size of the light-guiding holes may be different between the movabledecoration sheets and the fixed decoration sheets. For example, thediameter of the light-guiding holes of the decoration sheets closer tothe LEDs may be relatively large while the diameter of the light-guidingholes of the decoration sheets farther from the LEDs may be relativelysmall. Alternatively, the arrangement contrary to the above is alsopossible. That is, the diameter of the light-guiding holes of thedecoration sheets closer to the LEDs is relatively small while thediameter of the light-guiding holes of the decoration sheets fartherfrom the LEDs is relatively large. By making a difference in the size ofthe light-guiding holes between the sheets, a sufficient clearance isensured when shifting to the state where the holes of one sheet overlapthe holes of the other sheet or to the state where the holes of onesheet do not overlap the holes of the other sheet. As a result, asufficient movement distance for the movable decoration sheet isensured.

When a screen unit is replaced with another one, there may be needed tochange projection data corresponding to projection images and tooptically correct the projection images because the configuration andcharacteristics differ from screen to screen. To deal with this, thecontrol unit of the display device may be arranged as follows: thecontrol unit stores in advance setting information related to projectionimage data and optical correction data associated with theconfigurations and the like of the screens. This enables the controlunit to invoke and apply the piece of setting information correspondingto the configuration and the like of the attached screen.

To realize the structure such that the corresponding piece of settinginformation is selectable in response to the replacement of the screenunit, the following arrangements (1), (2), or (3) may be made. (1)Arranging the control unit so as to determine whether the LED substrate(cable) is connected or not. (2) Providing another controller in thescreen unit; when the control unit of the casing is activated afterreplacement of the screen unit, transmitting a specific command fromthat another controller to the control unit; causing the control unit todetermine which of the screen units is connected to the casing. (3)Arranging the device so that a setting screen is invoked in response toan operation of a button on the operation unit, to enable anadministrator to input the type of the screen unit after replacement, assetting information, on the setting screen.

Such setting information determines in which projection way (manner) apiece of image data is projected. Such setting information may bechangeable in a server device functioning as a hall computer. Further,arrangement may be made such that a change in the setting information inone display device is also applied in other display devices, undermaster-slave control.

It is only required for the movable decoration sheet to be moved so thatthe contrast increases when the LEDs are turned on or blink in responseto reception, by the display device, of a signal from an external device(e.g., a signal indicating the game status from a gaming machine), or inresponse to detection of a status of the external device by the displaydevice.

When “coordination effect” is provided on a plurality of displaydevices, the movable decoration sheets of the display devices may bemoved at the same time by operating the driving mechanisms for themovable decoration sheets of the display devices, in association withthe coordination effect. The coordination effects include effectsprovided in coordination with one another among the devices in the samesection, and effects provided in coordination with one another among thedevices connected to the external devices of the same type.

Based on the embodiments described above, the summary of the presentinvention is listed below.

(Note A1 )

According to an aspect of the present invention, a display device (e.g.,display device 1) includes: a projector unit (e.g., a projector mainbody 12) configured to project light to display information in the formof a projection image; a light-passing portion (e.g., opening 10A)through which light projected by the projector unit passes; and aprojection surface member (e.g., screens 110A to 110C) through whichlight having passed through the light-passing portion is transmitted toform a projection image thereon, wherein the projection surface memberincludes a display surface (e.g., (first) display surface 1101 andsecond display surfaces 1101B and 1101C) on which a projection image isprojected, and is arranged to be replaceable relative to thelight-passing portion; and the display surface is configured to be ableto change visual impressions of a projection image along with thereplacement of the projection surface member.

(Note A2)

In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the display deviceincludes at least another display surface (e.g., light exit surfaces 111a) which is different from the aforementioned display surface, and thatanother display surface is able to provide display in a manner differentfrom that of the display of a projection image.

(Note B1)

According to an aspect of the present invention, a display device (e.g.,display device 1) includes: a projector unit (e.g., projector main body12) configured to project light to display information in the form of aprojection image; a projection surface member (e.g., screens 110A to110C) onto which a projection image is formed by light projected by theprojector unit, wherein the projection surface member includes: anincident surface (e.g., incident surface 1100) into which lightprojected by the projector unit enters; and a display surface (e.g.,(first) display surface 1101, second display surfaces 1101B and 1101C)through which light having entered into the incident surface istransmitted to form a projection image thereon, the incident surface isformed by a uniform surface, and the display surface at least includes:a first area (e.g., first display surface 1101); and a second area(e.g., second display surfaces 1101B and 1101C) defined by a differencein a position in a thickness direction of the member from the firstarea.

(Note B2)

In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the display devicefurther includes a light-passing portion (e.g., opening 10A) throughwhich light projected by the projector unit passes, and the projectionsurface member is arranged to be replaceable relative to thelight-transmitting portion.

(Note C1)

According to an aspect of the present invention, a display device (e.g.,display device 1) includes: a light emitting unit (e.g., LEDs 20A)configured to emit light; a plurality of light guiding portions (e.g.,light-guiding holes 30A, 40A) through which light from the lightemitting unit is guided from a back side to a front side; at least oneset of sheet members (e.g., movable decoration sheets 30 and fixeddecoration sheets 40) provided to be opposed to each other, at least onesheet member of the set of the sheet members (e.g., movable decorationsheet 30) being movable relative to the sheet member opposed thereto(e.g., fixed decoration sheet 40); and a driver (e.g., driving mechanism32) configured to move the at least one movable sheet member between afirst position and a second position, wherein: when the movable sheetmember is in the first position, the light guiding portions of themovable sheet member partially or completely overlap the light guidingportions of the sheet member opposed to the movable sheet member; andwhen the movable sheet member is moved from the first position to thesecond position, the light guiding portions of the movable sheet memberare misaligned with the light guiding portions of the sheet memberopposed to the movable sheet member.

(Note C2)

In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the display deviceincludes: a projector unit (e.g., projector main body 12) configured toproject light to display information in the form of a projection image;a main body (e.g., casing 10) accommodating the projector unit; aprojection surface member (e.g., screens 110A to 110C) onto which aprojection image is formed by light projected by the projector unit; anda cover member (e.g., screen units 11A to 11C) which supports theprojection surface member and functions as an exterior component for themain body, wherein: the movable sheet member is provided on the mainbody; the sheet member opposed to the movable sheet member is providedon the cover member; and the cover member is replaceable relative to themain body.

(Note C3)

According to another aspect of the present invention, a display deviceincludes: a light emitting unit (e.g., LEDs 20A) configured to emitlight; a plurality of light guiding portions (e.g., light-guiding holes30A, 40A) through which light from the light emitting unit is guidedfrom a back side to a front side; at least one set of sheet members(e.g., movable decoration sheets 30 and fixed decoration sheets 40)provided to be opposed to each other, at least one sheet member of theset of the sheet members (e.g., movable decoration sheet 30) beingmovable relative to the sheet member opposed thereto (e.g., fixeddecoration sheet 40); and a driver (e.g., driving mechanism 32)configured to move the at least one movable sheet member between a firstposition and a second position, wherein: when the movable sheet memberis in the first position, the light guiding portions of the movablesheet member partially or completely overlap the light guiding portionsof the sheet member opposed to the movable sheet member; and when themovable sheet member is moved from the first position to the secondposition, the light guiding portions of the movable sheet member aremisaligned with the light guiding portions of the sheet member opposedto the movable sheet member.

(Note D1)

According to an aspect of the present invention, a display deviceincludes: a projector unit configured to project light to displayinformation in the form of a projection image; a light-passing portionthrough which light projected by the projector unit passes; and aprojection surface member through which light having passed through thelight-passing portion is transmitted to form a projection image thereon,wherein the projection surface member includes a display surface onwhich a projection image is projected, and is arranged to be replaceablerelative to the light-passing portion; and the display surface isconfigured to be able to change visual impressions of a projection imagealong with the replacement of the projection surface member.

(Note D2)

In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the display deviceincludes: the display device includes at least another display surfacewhich is different from the aforementioned display surface, and thatanother display surface is able to provide display in a manner differentfrom that of the display of a projection image.

(Note E1)

According to an aspect of the present invention, a display deviceincludes: a projector unit (projector main body 12) provided in a casing(10) of the display device and configured to project light to displayinformation in the form of a projection image; a projection surfacemember (screens 110A to 110F) onto which the projection image isprojected; a substrate (70) provided in the vicinity of at least one ofedge portions of the projection surface member (e.g., a lower edgeportion of the projection surface member) and having at least one lightemitter mounted thereon; a diffused reflection portion (72) provided atan edge portion of the projection surface member that is opposed to theat least one of the edge portions (e.g., an upper edge portion of theprojection surface member); and a light-shielding member (73) providedbetween the substrate and the casing.

(Note E2)

The display device of the above aspect may be arranged such that thatthe projection surface member is formed by a light guiding portion(incident portion 1100) and a display portion (display portion 1101)having their respective predetermined thickness, and the light guidingportion is configured to guide light from the light emitter to thediffused reflection portion.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display system for a gaming machine,comprising: an electronic display device provided on a front surface ofthe gaming machine to display game information; a projection screenhaving a curved surface extending from a lower end region thereof to anupper end region thereof, the curved surface corresponding to the upperend region extending such that it is positioned more forward as comparedto the curved surface corresponding to the lower end region, a portionof the curved surface extending above the electronic display device; anda projector positioned rearward of the projection screen, the projectorconfigured to project light via a reflector such that an image isdisplayed on the projection screen.
 2. The display system of claim 1wherein the curved surface extending from the lower end region to theupper end region forms a convex-shaped arc.
 3. The display system ofclaim 1 wherein a portion of the curved surface extends along at leastone lateral side of the electronic display device.
 4. The display systemof claim 1 wherein a portion of the curved surface extends below theelectronic display device.
 5. The display system of claim 1 comprising aplurality of gaming machines, and wherein the projection screen iscommon to the plurality of gaming machines.
 6. The display system ofclaim 5, wherein the projection screen common to the plurality of gamingmachines is formed from a plurality of projection surface members.
 7. Agaming machine comprising: a projector that projects light so as toproject an image; a first screen upon which light projected from theprojector is incident so as to form a projected image thereon; and asecond screen overlapping a portion of the first screen such that theportion of the first screen overlapped by the second screen is hiddenfrom view from a perspective of a forward observer, the second screenconfigured to display an image different from the projected image on thefirst screen.
 8. The gaming machine of claim 7, further comprising anelectronic display device disposed proximate the first and secondscreens.
 9. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein a portion of thefirst screen is disposed above the electronic display device.
 10. Thegaming machine of claim 8, wherein a portion of the first screen isdisposed below the electronic display device.
 11. The gaming machine ofclaim 8, wherein a portion of the first screen is disposed on at leastone lateral side of the electronic display device.
 12. The gamingmachine of claim 8, wherein a portion of the second screen is disposedon at least one lateral side of the electronic display device.
 13. Thegaming machine of claim 8, wherein the first screen has a curved surfaceextending from a lower end region thereof to an upper end regionthereof, the curved surface corresponding to the upper end regionextending such that it is positioned more forward on the gaming machineas compared to the curved surface corresponding to the lower end region.14. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein the second screen has acurved surface extending from a lower end region thereof to an upper endregion thereof, the curved surface corresponding to the upper end regionextending such that it is positioned more forward on the gaming machineas compared to the curved surface corresponding to the lower end region.15. The gaming machine of claim 13, wherein the curved surface of thefirst screen forms a convex-shaped arc.
 16. The gaming machine of claim14, wherein the curved surface of the second screen forms aconvex-shaped arc complementary to that portion of the first screen thatis overlapped.
 17. The display system of claim 1, wherein the electronicdisplay device is a LED-type or LCD-type electronic display.
 18. Thegaming machine of claim 8, wherein the electronic display device is aLED-type or LCD-type electronic display.